It's not victory that counts in Russia's friendly against Uruguay on Friday, but the chance to go head-to-head with some of the world's best players ahead of Euro 2012, Russia striker Alexander Kokorin said on Sunday.
Russia host the Copa America champions at Lokomotiv Stadium in Moscow for the first of a triple header of warmup matches for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
"If we lose to Uruguay, nothing bad will happen, but I don't think that we will give way," said the 21-year-old Dynamo Moscow forward, who has two caps in friendlies over the last year.
"The main thing is that we have a strong team as an opponent ahead of Euro. It is with teams like this that we should play. Earlier we faced decent Denmark and Greece, and I wouldn't say that they are not top-level."
Russia go on to face Lithuania in Swtizerland on May 29, then play Italy in Zurich on June 1.
At Euro 2012, which starts June 8, Russia play Czech Republic, co-host Poland and Greece, with a potential quarterfinal against Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany or Denmark.
Kokorin, who has 12 goals in 102 games, came on as a substitute in both the 2-0 over Denmark in Copenhagen in March, as well the 1-1 draw against Greece in November, his international debut.
He was called into Dick Advocaat's provisional 26-man squad for Euro 2012, but may be culled when the Dutchman streamlines to the required 23.
Advocaat has said he regards Kokorin as a contender to play on the left side of midfielder, which is usually occupied by the captain Andrei Arshavin.
