It isn't Russia, but the whole of USSR, anyway point taken. I wasn't clear myself as to how home/away was decided, but nevermind: the world ranking isn't that great an indicator of team strength.
Yes, best indicator of team strength is average salary 10 strongest players, but if use it, we have very little time for purpose of friendly games. Although with Latvia we played that way
(105694.217)
Я Родину свою люблю, но государство ненавижу" (с) Б. Окуджава