Russia began the World Cup as the lowest ranked host in the history of the tournament.
Two wins later, against Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and Stanislav Cherchesov's side have guaranteed their place in the knockout stages - with a chance of topping Group A still in sight.
But the image of Russia across the world continues to be under scrutiny with regards to the doping scheme that saw them barred from competing in the Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in February.
Statistics collected at this year's World Cup have shown the Russian team has collectively out-run every other nation competing at the tournament.
But Matt Slater, Chief Sports Writer of the Press Association, believes the current numbers Russian players are covering in terms of ground should not cause suspicion.
"I think you're right in the spirit of fairness to say we've seen these distances before," Slater said.
"They're the home side and they came in under a massive cloud. No one here thought they'd do anything at all. Speaking to Russian fans before [the World Cup] - they were quite low about the team.
"They were the lowest rank host nation ever. They were 70th when they faced Saudi Arabia and to be fair Saudi Arabia were appalling. Russia were good. They were good again yesterday and the mood here is buoyant.
"It's all over the media. Yes they are inspired, yes they weren't under an awful lot of expectation - they are performing above expectation."
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