The Russian national football team has slipped seven places to No. 30 in the latest FIFA world ranking published Thursday following its ties against Sweden and Moldova in Euro 2016 qualifying matches.
Coach Fabio Capello's squad has consistently dropped in the rankings in recent months. Before this summer's World Cup in Brazil, Russia ranked 19th. After crashing out of the tournament at the group stage, the team slipped to 23rd place and the squad's head coach was harshly criticized for the team's performance.
Last week, Capello was invited to a parliamentary hearing to discuss his team's preparations for the 2018 World Cup, which will be held in 12 stadiums in 11 Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan.
After the team's draw with a weaker Moldovan squad earlier this month, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said he was not pleased with the national team and would summon Capello to discuss the squad's dismal performances.
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