When you talk about the 2008 EURO tournament, most people will talk about the amazing Russian team, which reached the semifinals, where they lost to the later champions from Spain. This was the beginning of the Spanish world domination, but even though the Russians did not win the gold medals, they won the hearts of the football world. Names like Zhirkov, Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko suddenly became world famous, and several of the Russian players were on the short lists of Europe’s biggest clubs. … [Read more...]
Brazil 2014: Who’s In and Out for Russia
February 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Checked In, Seat on the Plane! Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, CSKA Moscow The undisputed starter for the national team. It’s hard to see anyone instead of the Army's captain between the sticks. Kept on the bench in favor of the more experienced Malafeev in Russia's previous big tournament, Akinfeev will be keen to lead the nation again. Central Defender Sergei Ignashevich, CSKA Moscow A mainstay in the nation's lineup, he is one of a few who has experience at the World Cup level. … [Read more...]
Ticket to Brazil Nearly Punched
October 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Rui Patricio held his head when the final whistle was blown at the Estadio do Dragao last Friday. His mistake, a poor low pass within reach of Eden Ben Basat, cost Portugal two points, which almost certainly sends the happy Russians to next year's carnival in Brazil. Russia's rampant win that same night, 4-0 away to Luxembourg, coupled with Portugal's draw, means they need just a single point in Baku on Tuesday. Capello's men lead the group by three points and are +7 in goal differential … [Read more...]
Leonid Slutsky - CSKA’s solution?
September 13, 2013 by 4 Comments
Connor O'Neil (@Con_027) and Xavier Leonovitch (@AxeMurderer60) discuss CSKA's chances in the Champions League this year and Leonid Slutsky’s role as CSKA manager: As we know, CSKA face reigning champions Bayern Munich, as well as Manchester City and Viktoria Plzen in their Champions League group. There are many questions about Leonid Slutsky’s ability as CSKA coach - can he lead his team to the round of 16? It’s a rather paradoxical question to ask when we examine Leonid Slutsky’s … [Read more...]
