Russia's goalkeeper of the moment after helping FC Zenit St. Petersburg to victory in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup, Vyacheslav Malafeev will probably start UEFA EURO 2008™ as the understudy to Igor Akinfeev. He had the same role four years ago but replaced Sergei Ovchinnikov after the latter's red card in the second group game against Portugal.

Born in St Petersburg; received footballing education at city's renowned Smena academy.

Made first-team debut for Zenit aged 20, standing in for suspended Armenian international Roman Berezovskiy.

Became club's first choice in 2001 and made European debut the following year.

Dramatic international debut in second leg of UEFA EURO 2004 qualifying play-off against Wales; 1-0 win in Cardiff sent Russia to finals.

Became country's No1 after Portugal finals but subsequently displaced by Akinfeev; latter's knee injury in 2007 enabled him to make four UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying appearances.

Russian champion with Zenit in 2007 and kept goal for all knockout matches in club's UEFA Cup triumph.

Did you know?
Malafeev saved a penalty in the home UEFA EURO 2008 qualifier against F.Y.R. Macedonia, having just come on to replace Vladimir Gabulov, who was sent off for conceding the spot-kick. Russia were just 1-0 up at the time but went on to win 3-0.