Capello maps out Russia's path to World Cup

Russia manager Fabio Capello has lined up World Cup warm-ups against Slovakia, Norway and Morocco in a bid to expose his team to contrasting playing styles ahead of Brazil. Russia, making their first appearance at a World Cup finals since 2002, are in Group H with Belgium, South Korea and Algeria. Capello, who was in charge of England at the 2010 World Cup, explained his thinking behind the three countries he has chosen. "Our main goal is to test the players against teams playing in various styles," the Italian told www.championat.com on Tuesday. "Four years ago I came up against Algeria as England manager but today they play completely different football. "We will face Morocco to adapt to the North-African style. "Norwegian players are tall and physically tough opponents who are especially strong in dead ball situations. And Slovakia play their own style which is unlike Algeria or Norway." Capello added he may schedule in a fourth friendly when his team arrives in Brazil. "We will decide later whether we need to play this fourth match and who will be our opponents," he said. "I don't think we need to play too many warm-up matches. One match a week is an optimal choice to keep the players in form. "We should go into the World Cup at our best physical form as the three-month winter break in the Russian league should prevent my players from any kind of over strain." Russia will face Slovakia on May 26, Norway on May 31 and Morocco on June 6.