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Cherchesov to coach Russia for World Cup after Euro failure

MOSCOW (AP) Stanislav Cherchesov is the new coach of Russia ahead of its home World Cup in 2018, after a disastrous performance in the European Championship ended predecessor Leonid Slutsky's tenure.

The Russian Football Union announced the appointment Thursday. Board member Igor Lebedev told the state Tass news agency that Cherchesov was under contract until August 2018 and had been given a target of reaching the World Cup semifinals.

A former Soviet Union and Russia goalkeeper, Cherchesov coached Legia Warsaw to the Polish league and cup double last season.

Slutsky resigned in June when Russia went out of Euro 2016 following a draw with England and defeats to Wales and Slovakia.