Nyon, Switzerland: With Igor Akinfeev making an impressive comeback to international arena after more than eight months due to an injury lay-off made the battle as to who would start as Russia’s custodian in the upcoming EURO Cup 2012 more interesting.

Igor who plays for CSKA Moskva has been the country’s automatic choice for the number 1 position for the last six years faces a stiff competition from Vyacheslav Malafeev of FC Zenit St Petersburg who did impress everyone in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Moscow last Friday.

Igor who has out of action for a long time due to a knee injury did shed all his inhibitions and did show that his injury is not bothering him much in their 0-0 draw against Lithuania yesterday. He made some good saves which clearly would make thing difficult for the Russian coach Dick Advocaat and he would surely face some dilemma before choosing his number 1.

"I am taking advice from goalkeeping coach Sergey Ovchinnikov. It is ultimately my decision and you will find out who will be the No1 ahead of the opening group game with the Czech Republic,” as Advocaat was quoted saying to UEFA.com.

By Indian Sports News Network