Klinsmann Hopes to Knock Out Russia

German national soccer coach Jürgen Klinsmann said he sees Wednesday's friendly match with Russia as another chance to build confidence ahead of the Confederations Cup. Germany defeated Northern Ireland 4-1 with 10 men on Saturday and Klinsmann wants another shot in the arm ahead of the Confederations Cup, which starts on June 15. "We want to keep the run going although Russia will prove more of a test than Northern Ireland," he said. "Some of the players may be feeling the strains of playing twice in quick succession but that will happen in the World Cup too." The last time the two nations met was back in Euro 96 when Klinsmann scored twice to clinch a 3-0 win as Germany went on to be crowned European champions. Russia improved their chances of making it to the World Cup in Germany with a 2-0 qualifying win over Latvia, but coach Juri Sjomin was still far from happy. "Our defense is concerning me," he said. "We are often too exposed on the counter attack. Latvia had chances. We were just lucky they did not take them."