ARSHAVIN WINS ZVEZDA AWARD IN AUGUST
The forward of Arsenal and the captain of the Russian national team
Andrey Arshavin was named best player of Russia and CIS countries
in August getting 46,2% of the votes with the runner-up Artyom Dzyuba
having 25,5%. [more]
03.09.2010
FIVE EVENTS OF THE MONTH
Sport Express names five most important events in Russia and CIS
countries in August.
1. The Russian national team had the first match headed by Dick
Advocaat. [more]
03.09.2010
Arshavin - I've lost sparkle Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin feels
he is playing a different style of football from when he first arrived
at the Emirates.The 29-year-old has shown fluctuating
form since signing for the Gunners from Zenit St Petersburg for
£15million in January last year. [more]
02.09.2010
RUSSIA READIES FOR EURO 2012 CHARGE
Few in Russian football can forget the June of 2008 when the world
watched the likes of Andrey Arshavin, Yuriy Zhirkov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
and Roman Pavlyuchenko emerge in the Euro championships. The Austria-Switzerland
Euro 2008 championships were an unveiling of sorts, when Russia
emerged from recent problems and climbed to the semi-finals with
a number of players rising to the top and the country no longer
considered an underdog. [more]
02.09.2010
SHIROKOV: NATIONAL TEAM IS MY HOME The midfielder of Zenit Roman Shirokov,
an important figure in Luciano Spalletti's squad, can also become
a key player in the team of Dick Advocaat in the coming matches.
"If you want to know what a many feels returning to the national
team after a two-year break I can tell you," said Shirokov.
"I am very happy. I always wanted to return to the national
team so what other feelings I can possibly have." [more]
28.08.2010
ADVOCAAT UNVEILS THE SQUAD FOR EURO-2012
QUALIFIERS
The Russian national team's head coach Dick Advocaat unveiled the
list of players, who will prepare for the Euro-2012 qualifying matches
against Andorra (on 3 September) and Slovakia (on 7 September) yesterday. [more]
27.08.2010
Arshavin confirms imminent plan to become
a movie star
Andrey Arshavin has revealed on his personal website that he will
have a role in a new film entitled 'I'm not Arshavin' which will
be directed by Russian scriptwriter Ilya Shilovsky. [more]
27.08.2010
Advocaat names squad for Euro 2012 qualifiers
Russia coach Dick Advocaat has named a 21-man squad for the team's
first two European Championship qualifiers - his first competitive
games since joining in July.
Russia will travel to Andorra for its Group B opener on Sept. 3,
and then hosts Slovakia in Moscow four days later. [more]
26.08.2010
Andrey Arshavin, "I want to
win the Champions League"
Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin has set the Champions League
as one of his personal objectives of the season as he promised magic
on the pitch.
Speaking to Arsenal TV Online's Spotlight programme ahead of this
afternoon's draw in Monaco, the Russian declared how he wants to
win this season's Champions League. Arshavin, 29, also said how
he wants fans to remember him for the magic he does on the pitch
though they will not always understand how he is capable of doing
it. [more]
25.08.2010
Arsenal FC star Andrey Arshavin seeks
Blackburn Rovers revenge
Arsenal FC forward Andrey Arshavin feels they have some unfinished
business to take care of with Blackburn Rovers when they meet on
Saturday in the Premier League.
The Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rovers in early May which helped
finiosh off their title hopes. [more]
25.08.2010
Russian clubs ready for Europe
Russian football's march on Europe continues this week with three
teams hoping to following CSKA safely through the qualifying play-offs.
First up, in the Champions League, Zenit St Petersburg go to Auxerre
on Wednesday looking to defend the 1-0 lead that Alexander Kerzhakov's
100th career goal gave them in the first leg last week. [more]
24.08.2010
Arshavin believes that we can win the
title
It's not often you hear positive words come from the mouth of our
diminutive Russian playmaker, but after the weekend's thrashing
of Blackpool, Andrey Arshavin is sounding a bit more upbeat. [more]
24.08.2010
America's World Cup rooting interest:
Russia?
With the right to stage soccer's greatest showpiece up for grabs
and the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to be allocated in December, these
are nervous times for the bidding nations. Every fresh development
is being scrutinized intensely by FIFA inspectors and the world
soccer media. [more]
24.08.2010
Arshavin calls on Walcott to show consistency
ANDREY ARSHAVIN has told Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott to maintain
his high standards after his dazzling hat-trick against Blackpool.
Despite producing what many believe was his best performance in
an Arsenal shirt as the Gunners thrashed the Premier League minnows
6-0, Walcott has not won over all of his doubters. [more]
23.08.2010
FURSENKO VISITED SPORT EXPRESS OFFICE President of the Russian Football Union
Sergey Fursenko visited Sport Express office on Friday.
"Speaking about possible switch to 'autumn-spring' system,
I don't see any disadvantages, while there are a lot of benefits",
Fursenko said. "The main thing is progress, which is impossible
without development of infrastructure and ability to play on high-quality
pitches". [more]
19.08.2010
ADVOCAAT TO UNVEIL THE SQUAD NEXT WEEK
Russian national team's coaching staff will unveil the team's roster
for the European championship-2012 qualifying matches against Andorra
(3 September) and Slovakia (7 September) next week.
"We are likely to unveiled list of players on Thursday or Friday",
the team manager Dick Advocaat said to Sport Express. [more]
19.08.2010
PAVLYUCHENKO: REAL FIGHT IS AHEAD
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko scored important goal in the
Champions League play-off first leg clash against Young Boys in
Bern yesterday.
Tottenham was three goals behind after the 28th minute of yesterday's
match but managed to fight two goals thanks to Sebastien Bassong
and Roman Pavlyuchenko. 2-3 score still gives Tottenham men a belief
that they will emerge triumphant in next Wednesday's second leg
at White Hart Lane. [more]
18.08.2010
WHY WOLVES IS SPECIAL FOR BILLY
This weekend's visit of Wolves evokes special memories for Diniyar
Bilyaletdinov.
It's almost a year since the Russian winger signed for Everton and
he scored his first goal for the Club against this weekend's opponents. [more]
17.08.2010
Roman Pavlyuchenko's agent: His heart
is at Tottenham The agent of Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko
has insisted that the Russian hit man is going nowhere and that
he wants to stay at White Hart Lane.28-year-old Pavlyuchenko
has had a troubled time at Tottenham since his £13.8million
move from Spartak Moscow two years ago, failing to command a regular
first-team place under Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. [more]
16.08.2010
Young footballers cross fingers for Russia
to host World Cup
A team of FIFA officials arrives in St. Petersburg on Monday, kicking-off
their assessment of the Russia's bid to host the tournament in 2018.
The boys at Spartak Moscow's Youth Academy train every single day.
Pressure that would make others of their age crumble. But for them
football is life. They are just 12 years old, and if the World Cup
comes to Russia in 2018, the hopes and expectations of the nation
will rest on their shoulders. [more]
14.08.2010
Wenger: Arshavin to lead Arsenal charge! Arsene Wenger feels
Andrey Arshavin can help drive Arsenal on towards their first Barclays
Premier League title since 2004.
The enigmatic midfielder - signed from Zenit St Petersburg during
January 2009 - was distraught after Russia failed to make the World
Cup finals, suffering a shock defeat to Slovenia in the play-offs. [more]
14.08.2010
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko the
latest name linked to Olympique de Marseille - report For all the latest reports and transfer
rumours, visit our dedicated section here.
Olympique de Marseille continue to be linked with a myriad of players,
with the latest speculation focused on Tottenham Hotspur forward
Roman Pavlyuchenko. [more]
13.08.2010
Advocaat Makes Uncertain Start as Russian
Manager
Wednesday's friendly match between Russia and Bulgaria (1:0) was
supposed to be the beginning of a new era in Russian soccer. The
team's first game under new manager Dick Advocaat was intended as
a signpost, hopefully pointing to a successful Euro 2012 in Poland
and Ukraine. The Dutchman Advocaat replaced his compatriot, Guus
Hiddink, after Russia failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in
South Africa. [more]
11.08.2010
Russia beats Bulgaria 1-0 in Advocaat's
debut
New Russia coach Dick Advocaat enjoyed a winning debut Wednesday
after a close-range volley from Roman Shirokov secured a 1-0 win
over Bulgaria in a friendly.
Shirokov scored with an acrobatic volley in the sixth minute after
goalkeeper Nikolai Mikhailov fumbled a cross from Andrei Arshavin
in the bright sunshine. [more]
10.08.2010
PAVLYUCHENKO: WE ARE LIKE A FAMILY Key striker of the Russian national team
Roman Pavlyuchenko shared his impressions after getting acquainted
with the team's new manager.
"I came here to get acquainted with our new head coach, but
not to the absolutely new team for me", Pavlyuchenko told Sport
Express. "It's very interesting to find out new requirements
and schemes". [more]
10.08.2010
BILYALETDINOV: I HOPE WEATHER WILL BE
GOOD Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
talked about coming friendly match against Bulgaria.
"In general nothing except the head coach has changed in the
national team", Bilyaletdinov said to Sport Express. "Dick
Advocaat welcomed everyone in the dining-room and then outlined
the team's targets at the little meeting". [more]
10.08.2010
Russia warm up for Euros with Bulgarian
test
Russia's new Dutch coach Dick Advocaat will test his squad in a
friendly match at home to Bulgaria in St Petersburg on Wednesday
ahead of their 2012 European championship's campaign. [more]
09.08.2010
ARSHAVIN: I CAME HERE TO SHOW MY BEST
QUALITIES Captain of the Russian national team Andrey
Arshavin arrived to Saint Petersburg for the team's first training
camp under Dick Advocaat yesterday.
"I am injured now, but I don't know whether it will let me
play at Petrovsky or not", Arshavin said to Sport Express.
"I think that it will be clear whether I will play against
Bulgaria or not on the day of game". [more]
07.08.2010
Deadly smog forces Russia to switch Bulgaria
match
Russia have been forced to switch Wednesday's friendly against Bulgaria
to St Petersburg because of health risks after acrid smog engulfed
the Russian capital. "The friendly match between Russia and
Bulgaria on Aug. 11 is being moved to St Petersburg because of worsening
weather conditions (abnormal heat and smoke) in Moscow," the
Russian FA said on its website. [more]
06.08.2010
ADVOCAAT: TWENTY IS ENOUGH FOR ONE
MATCH The head coach of the Russian national
team Dick Advocaat commented on the squad for the friendly match
against Bulgaria announced yesterday.
"I am happy to comment on my choice," said the Dutch specialist.
"These are the twenty strongest Russian players at the moment." [more]
05.08.2010
Advocaat begins with Russia's old guard
Russia's new coach Dick Advocaat on Thursday announced his 20-player
squad for a friendly against Bulgaria in Moscow on 11 August, but
warned players that he was looking for major improvements. [more]
05.08.2010
Akinfeev is keen on a move to Arsenal
or United. (¿PAphotos)
Arsenal connection could land Russian
star Igor Akinfeev opens door to potential Arsenal move
Arsenal have emerged as contenders to sign highly-rated Russian
stopper Igor Akinfeev. [more]
02.08.2010
Andrey Arshavin pleased with Arsenal's
pre-season form The Russian attacker is quite satisfied with Gunners' progress
so far... Premier League giants Arsenal recorded a 1-1 draw against Milan
and a 3-2 win against Celtic to win the Emirates Cup at the weekend.
Versatile attacker Andrey Arshavin was rather pleased with his side's
win and looked back at the tournament with satisfaction. [more]
29.07.2010
Are They Gunner Perform: Five Arsenal
Players Who Could Struggle This Season
2010/2011 could arguably be one of the toughest seasons in Arsenal
history. Having gone five years without a trophy the Gunners are
desperate to reinstate their dominance on the footballing world
be securing at least one piece of silverware. Arsene Wenger and
his men are also fighting a battle to stay in the highly respected
"Big Four". [more]
28.07.2010
MUTKO: EVERYBODY SHOULD HELP ADVOCAAT
The Russian minister for Sport, Tourism and youth policy, FIFA executive
committee member, and former RFU president, Vitaliy Mutko commented
on the situation in the Russian football and the chances of Russia
to win the World Cup-2018. [more]
25.07.2010
IGOR AKINFEEV WANTS TO JOIN ANDREY ARSHAVIN
AT ARSENAL RUSSIA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has
told Arsene Wenger: I'd love to team up with Andrey Arshavin at
Arsenal.
CSKA Moscow star Akinfeev, 24, is a target for the Gunners and Manchester
United after impressive Champions League -displays last season. [more]
23.07.2010
ARSHAVIN: I MISS TRAININGS The Russian forward of Arsenal Andrey
Arshavin who is at the moment in Austria with his team at the training
camp spoke about the preparation to the coming season.
"It is the first so long a holiday in my career - almost two
months but for several days," said the forward. "Sometimes
I had a month and a half but not more." [more]
23.07.2010
BILYALETDINOV: 40 THOUSAND PEOPLE FOR
FRIENDLIES The midfielder of Everton and the Russian
national team Diniyar Bilyaletdinov commented on the preparation
for the season in England.
"I am happy with my holidays," said the player. "It
was very good, I have rested wonderfully." [more]
23.07.2010
Roman Pavlyuchenko Will No Leave Tottenham
Roman Pavlyuchenko's agent Oleg Artemov has given some clarification
on the Russian international's future after the striker had been
linked with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur.
Artemov told Soviet sport: "Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy
is not going to let Roman leave the team, he is necessary for Harry
Redknapp." [more]
23.07.2010
SYCHEV: LOSS TO GORNYAK IS DISAPPOINTING The forward of Lokomotiv who scored two
goals against Alaniya on Sunday Dmitriy Sychev, al last broke his
goal drought in anomalously hot July.
"The spirits after a big victory is ok, many positive emotions
appeared," said Sychev. "But I cannot say that something
extraordinary happened. We are working in ordinary mode." [more]
21.07.2010
ALENICHEV HEADS RUSSIAN YOUTH NATIONAL
TEAM The most titled footballer of Russia
Dmitriy Alenichev headed the Russian national team of 1993 birth
year.
Alenichev is back to football! He has swapped the routine days in
senate for the restless coaching career. Who if not he has something
to tell the young players about football, a player who started in
Energiya Velikie Luki and then won the Champions League with Porto. [more]
20.07.2010
BUKHAROV: I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE TRANSFER Rubin Kazan officially confirmed the
transfer of the forward Alexandr Bukharov to Zenit. The player yesterday
parted with the team and left for Saint Petersburg.
"I cannot tell you anything extraordinary," said the striker
about his transfer. "When I learnt about the interest from
Zenit I talked to Kurban Berdyev." [more]
20.07.2010
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko weighing
up season-long loan move to Sporting Lisbon
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is on the verge of a season-long
switch to Sporting Lisbon, according to reports in Portugal.
The two clubs have agreed to split the striker's salary for the
entire campaign and all that is now needed to seal the deal is the
agreement of Pavlyuchenko himself, claims Portuguese newspaper Abola. [more]
14.07.2010
SOROKIN: WE WILL USE THE EXPERIENCE OF
SOUTH AFRICA The general director of the bidding committee
'Russia-2018/22' Alexey Sorokin commented on the possible lessons
out of the World Cup-2010 in South Africa.
"My journey to South Africa was rather short, I spent there
only three last days," said Sorokin. "I visited the final
and I liked it a lot both the match and the atmosphere at the stadium.
Everything weÔÅ very well." [more]
12.07.2010
FURSENKO: IN 2012 RFU SHIFT TO "AUTUMN-SPRING"
SYSTEM The President of the Russian Football Union
Sergey Fursenko gave an interview to Sport Express after the forum
'Student football league - Russian national project' in Nakhabino.
"At the press conference I have said that the Russian Championship
will shift to 'autumn-spring' system in the summer of 2012,"
said Fursenko. "And it is not just my desire. This move is
to happen with high possibility." [more]
12.07.2010
ANDRES INIESTA PUSHES SPAIN TO WORLD CUP
GLORY After seemingly an endless wait, Spain's
unyielding love for the "beautiful game" was quenched
as the La Furia Roja claimed the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over
the Netherlands at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium. The victory,
the Spaniards first world championship, comes on the heels of the
2008 Euro title, making them the first nation to do so since West
Germany in 1974 and further solidifies their superiority in the
game with their flowing, elegant and passion fuelled style.
Vicente del Bosque's tactical plan, a perfect marriage of honourable
iron-clad defending with a delicate passing game that will be hailed
for decades to come, embraced its heritage and weaved its magic
through the tournament with unique mix of humility, confidence,
whilst always playing as unit. [more]
11.07.2010
Hiddink approves of Dutch Guus Hiddink gave his stamp of approval
to the Netherlands as it prepares to face favourite Spain in the
World Cup final, even if compatriot Johan Cruyff is yet to be fully
converted to the cause.
The former Dutch coach is among the most sought after football handlers
in the world with his name inevitably on the short list when a vacancy
occurs at national team or club level. [more]
10.07.2010
A DAY OF DESTINY IN WORLD CUP FINALS On Sunday, the day of destiny that
football aficionados in Spain and the Netherlands have waited for
arrives as one of their sides will be crowned World Cup champions.
Though each country has had more than its share of triumphant play
and chapters of excellence in the "beautiful game", the
final prize has evaded their clutches. [more]
10.07.2010
Martins heading to Russia On Sunday, the day of destiny that football
aficionados in Spain and the Netherlands have waited for arrives
as one of their sides will be crowned World Cup champions.
Wolfsburg have confirmed Obafemi Martins is set to leave the club
for Russian side Rubin Kazan. [more]
06.07.2010
POGREBNYAK: I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT GERMANY
IS SO STRONG Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak
shares his impressions on the World Cup in South Africa.
"Frankly speaking I didn't expect that Germany would smash
Argentina", Pogrebnyak said to Sport Express. "I knew
that Bundesteam is strong, but I didn't imagine that they are so
powerful". [more]
06.07.2010
LOW: THERE ARE NO EASY GAMES IN WORLD
CUP PLAY-OFFS Manager of the German national team Joachim
Low believes that his team will manage to beat Spain in World Cup
semi-final.
"Despite our overwhelming victory, the match against Argentina
became the most difficult for us at the tournament", Low said.
"In general there cannot be any easy games at his stage of
the competition". [more]
06.07.2010
NETHERLANDS PREPARED FOR URUGUAY Forty years in the making, the Netherlands
are within two victories of eliminating the anguish of never capturing
the World Cup.
Though the great Clockwork Orange sides of the 1970's, led by the
legendary Johan Cruyff, shook the foundations of the sport with
"Totaalvoetbal", they succumbed in the finals of the 1974
and 1978 World Cup. [more]
02.07.2010
ADVOCAAT: DUTCH TEAM IS MUCH STRONGER
THAN IN 1994 Head coach of the Russian national team
Dick Advocaat arrived to Moscow yesterday and talked to Sport Express
correspondent during the break in Lev Yashin Cup opener between
Dynamo Moscow and Dynamo Minsk.
"It was just a friendly match, moreover fans and players have
some problems because of hot weather", Advocaat said. "This
game has one big advantage, as there are no vuvuzelas like in South
Africa". [more]
RUSSIAN
TEAM '2010 
