Russia head to Austria and Switzerland as outsiders for glory, but then who would have thought Dima Bilan would have been crowned king of Eurovision?
If a substandard Peter Andre impersonator is capable of convincing the rest of Europe that he is the finest musical act on the continent, then what price the master tactician Guus Hiddink ensuring the world's clock capital be chiming to Russia's tune at the end of June?
In the unlikely event that you'd have to sell the concept of Russia as a restaurant something along the lines of 'traditional fare with a modern twist' seems apt, with Andrei Arshevin a Kobe steak that in a previous incarnation had his udders massaged by a swarm of Swedish models and the rest of the team potatoes.
In short, Russia's side is made up of workmanlike disciples of Hiddink's master plan and Arshavin is the one who doesn't have to wear his tie to the office.
The story of Russia's qualification for Euro 2008 is one that perhaps will only hit home when you find yourself asking your partner if they fancy a trip to IKEA - on a Saturday because the thought of Greece versus Sweden is as appetising as one of those meatball meals at the door.
Of course Russia qualified at England's expense, which will make them foes of many on these shores, but given they were almost apologetic in the manner in which stumbled across the line with a loss in Israel and non-inspiring defeat of Andorra, we can't really hold that against them.
Rare is it that a nation's best attribute is its coach but Russia are well aware their dugout will be patrolled by a tactician who has more than proven himself on the international arena.
Hiddink's close relations with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has long since seen the veteran Dutchman linked with Stamford Bridge, but he seems to be more than content with his current post and has been instrumental in bringing through a young side side that looks to the future rather than harps to the past.
His record as an international manager is bettered by few, having led Holland to the World Cup semi-finals in 1998, South Korea to the same stage four years later and then in 2006, Australia to the knockout phase.
Calm, well liked amongst his players and respected by his contemporaries, Hiddink is as smart as any on the touchline. It is, though, on the other side of the line that his Russia side must prove they are equally as talented.
