The call-up to the Russian national team in 2025 was a shock for the striker Artem Dziuba. He told Sport Express.
In March Dzyuba scored against the Grenada team (5:0) and passed Alexandra Kerzakova scored for the Russian national team. Dzyuba reached the milestone of 31 goals, Kerzhakov scored 30 goals. Dzyuba played for the Russian national team for the first time since the summer of 2021, when he played for them at the European Championships.
“I didn’t believe it until recently, the invitation to the national team was a shock for me. When Valery Georgievich (Karpin, coach of the Russian national team – approx.) called and asked me if I wanted to join the national team, it was even funny – of course I want it,” said Dzyuba. “After they talked to him, I stared at one point for an hour and thought, ‘Am I dreaming?’
“The responsibility became greater as we got closer to the match. I knew that the Grenada national team is not the strongest team, but when I saw that all the players were healthy, under two metres, I understood that it would not be easy,” he added.
