CSKA Moskva disappointing in victory over Amkar Perm

Rebounding from last years highly disappointing results, CSKA Moskva President Evgeniy Giner ensured the Army-Men were well equipped for the coming campaign as they made a number of notable additions during the winter transfer season. Though few can deny the attacking firepower of CSKA, in the opening match of the 2010 Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia campaign, the Army-Men fell short of expectations and were fortunate to capture a 1-0 victory over Amkar Perm at the Arena Khimki.

Amkar Perm manager Rashid Rakhimov, deployed his side with a five man midfield, maintaining a tight, compact defence and did extremely well at squashing CSKA advances. The Army-Men, who had a fully fit Alan Dzagoev back at the wheel of the attack controlled long stretches of the match but were unable to break into the final third and offer up dangerous chances. In the fourth minute of play, CSKA won a free kick but new man Keisuke Honda thundered his effort into the wall and for the next quarter hour, Amkar soaked up pressure with ease. At the nineteenth minute CSKA began to show some inspiration on the left flank as Miloš Krasić tried to play Alan Dzagoev through, though his pass was too heavy and shortly thereafter Mark González's cross from the left wing cross was beyond the outstretched foot of Tomáš Necid. Near the half hour, Amkar threatened modestly but CSKA 'keeper Igor Akinfeev easily turned aside those advances and the match went to the break without a score.

After the restart, the match was grinding down slowly as Amkar was satisfied with absorbing pressure and CSKA, with all its firepower, was unable to turn the key. CSKA was clearly getting frustrated with their inability to break the deadlock and Alan Dzagoev, who was yellow-carded in the opening-half due to poor challenge, was fortunate not to be sent off. Four minutes past the hour, Tomáš Necid, who as of this stage was well controlled by Amkar, received a yellow-card for a obvious handball when he re-directed a Miloš Krasić free kick into the net. With four minutes left in regulation time Pavel Mamayev toppled Georgi Peev, resulting in a shoving match and both players plus Vasili Berezutski who joined in on the fracas, shown yellow-cards for the lack of discipline.. With match seemingly headed for a draw, CSKA struck gold in the second minute of added-time as Guilherme, who had entered for Mark González at the eightieth minute, got on the end of a loose ball at the top left side of the area and unleashed his effort that bounded off the ankles of Martin Kushev to the right. Coming directly to Tomáš Necid, the young striker immediately drove the ball towards the goal but after careening off Mitar Novaković, came to the back post where Keisuke Honda volleyed the ball in for the 1-0 lead. Finally, after six minutes of added-time, the match concluded with CSKA Moskva claiming the full three points with a 1-0 victory.

For CSKA, the victory will be received with trepidation. While the three points are naturally welcomed, there are many questions posed of the high-flying attack that was so easily grounded. Given that FIFA has agreed to push back the transfer deadline for Russian clubs to 8 April, the question is whether Evgeniy Giner will look to tinker with his line-up or give them more time to gel.

Prepared by J. Davies
©Joga Bonito Renegade Style, a division of Renegade Style Productions, 2010.
All rights reserved

Vladimir Yakunin on the future of Lokomotiv Moscow

While rich in talent Lokomotiv Moscow finished a disappointing seventh in the Rosgosstrakh Championship of Russia. With the players now on holidays till the start of training camp on January 16 in Turkey, Mr. Vladimir Yakunin, Deputy Head of the Russian Railways company, spoke of the clubs immediate future. He addressed concerns, giving not only a vote of confidence to manager Rashid Rakhimov but emphasizing his commitment to bettering the sport in Russia as well as the complexities of the economy:

Speaking directly of Mr. Rakhimov he said:

“However Rashid Rakhimov came in during a difficult period for the team. When we were choosing the coach last year we considered only Russian specialists. We always try to focus on everything Russian. Supporters and we would be pleased if a Russian coach gained success with the team and when the coach and half of the players do not understand Russian… I don’t think that is good.”

“At the moment the question of replacing the positions of the president or the head coach of the club is not being considered. There are always opportunities for development in the life. And only when they are exhausted we will think about the change. But it is not like this now.”

Unfortunately the world’s financial crisis has not left the Red-Greens untouched, stating:

“The amount of funding is determined by the board of directors on the basis of our financial possibilities. Of course the world crisis cannot leave our company untouched and that results in the cuts in payments to the club. And we consider the possibility of having one more joint owner.”

“As company-shareholder we are disappointed with the results of the football team but I think the potential for revival of the former glory of Lokomotiv have both the head coach and the management.”