Russian Football Now » Premier-Liga

Sbornaja of the Week: Round One

Andrew Skomra — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:45:05 +0000

Tom Tomsk's Sergey Kornilenko celebrates the first double of the year (Photo: football.tomsk.ru)

Hopefully it’s not too late to give credit where it is due, highlighting the best players of the first round of the Premier-Liga.

Simvolicheskaja sbornaja (dream team) doesn’t exactly role off the English-speaking tongue so let’s just call it our sbornaja of the week. Comparing our picks to the opinions of other media sources yielded only three unanimous picks: Yevgeny Balyaikin, Danny, and Sergey Kornilenko. But there were certainly many stand-out performances worthy of attention. Without further ado, here is our 4-4-2:

Goalkeeper:

Rubin Kazan’s Sergey Ryzhikov’s one strong save from a hard Dramane Traore strike seems to have swayed the opinion of most analysts. This is not intended to be a contrarian’s snub but Andriy Dikan’s faultless efforts for Terek Grozny were potentially more spectacular insofar as they came in spite of a much less resilient back-line. Some discerning fingers may point to the less resilient offense Dikan had to face, but FK Sibir Novosibirsk’s forward Aleksey Medvedev twice had great open chances foiled by the swift instincts of the Ukrainian.

Right-back:

Most sites went with Yevgeny Balyaikin and we can’t come up with anyone finer given the admirable job he did filling in for an injured Vitaliy Kaleshin. But, in general, there were no truly sublime performances at right-back in the first round. It is true that Balyaikin held his own but we should also remember he did it primarily against an injured Dmitry Sychev. That is still a chore that many others around the league would fail to accomplish. Balyaikin certainly showed off his versatility as well, intelligently venturing forward at times but without compromising his primary duties.

Head-wrap and all: Dinamo defender Alexandru Epureanu frustrated Spartak in the derby on Sunday (Photo: Aleksandr Safonov)

Central defenders:

It was only nearly unanimous. But no one can really argue against the inclusion of Alexandru Epureanu. The Dinamo newcomer had a near flawless match, shutting down last year’s golden boot recipient Welliton with real grit and determination. Let’s also not forget, with Denis Kolodin sidelined, Epureanu was doing his best alongside an unaccustomed partner in Leandro Fernandez, who was himself solid and deserved of accolades.

It is not too common to see a defender make it on the list after his club loses quite handily but Malkhaz Asatiani put in a strong performance for Lokomotiv Moskva. Statistically speaking, Asatiani had the highest number of successful tackles of any defender in the first round of the Premier-Liga. Unstatistically speaking, his team may have conceded those two late goals but without Asatiani’s tireless efforts Loko’s trip to Kazan would have been even more disastrous.

Left-back:

With Cristian Ansaldi out with an injury, the other left-backs in the league got a chance to receive some of the spotlight. Andrey Ivanov, returning to Tom Tomsk on loan for 2010 from Spartak Moskva, made use of his youthful agility two minutes after running onto the pitch in the second half. Making his dramatic impact down the flank against Rostov, his effort forward set up Kornilenko’s opening goal (thanks to a rather fabulous back-heel from teammate Sergey Skoblyakov) and the Siberians rolled over Rostov thereafter.

Midfield:

Danny looking more than settled for Zenit (Photo: fc-zenit.ru)

Andrey Gorbanets may have only played twenty-odd minutes but his exquisite goal late in the match made him the opening round hero for Rubin Kazan. In a just world he would split the honor with Alan Kasaev, who he replaced after the latter ran himself ragged on the wing. Gorbanets’s nifty toe-poke, however, was just what Rubin was in need of. A creative spark that deftly evaded Loko’s defensive sandwich, Gorbanets broke open the sluggish tie and allowed the home squad to celebrate in fashion.

While Danny obviously deserves credit for his well-taken goal—the only one Zenit managed in their defeat of Krylia Sovetov—it was the little things that win him a strong mention. Looking so at ease early in the season foretells great things from him in 2010. Quick on and off the ball, he was a menace all over Zenit’s attack; a solid effort full of conviction. If he can build a better rapport with—or simply receive better support from–Kerzhakov and Lazovic (who looked decent in his substitute appearance), the suitcase upon suitcase stuffed with rubles that Zenit sent over to Dinamo will finally reap their intended dividends.

Someone from Dinamo Moskva’s midfield deserves a mention. Igor Semshov, who many picked, wonderfully took a second-half strike that was the true mark of his experience. However, just as commanding a performance came from former Citizen Aleksandr Samedov. The most-fouled player in the RPL’s first week, his acceleration had Spartak on their heels for most of the match. Beyond that he was a real pleasure to watch. Although Semshov’s goal was set up in part by a fortunate deflection off a teammate, it was Samedov who controlled the build-up and showed his fine playmaking abilities.

Andrey Kobenko’s looping left-footed goal for Terek Grozny was a major highlight of the first round but he put in an all-around solid performance. His skill on the left-wing was on show against FK Sibir Novosibirsk not only in his shot over a slightly out-of-position Wojciech Kowalewski but also in his ability to control the awkward pass from Héctor Bracamonte. Terek are certainly hoping Kobenko will continue to show pose and subtle skill against the greater competitors that await them.

Forwards:

Starting off in strong fashion: Terek Grozny's Shamil Asildarov (Photo: Sergey Tarasov)

With the first brace of the 2010 season, Sergey Kornilenko has to receive top billing for round one. Such ability is certainly why Tom Tomsk wrestled him back on loan from Zenit. Having only scored five goals last season (three with Tom Tomsk and two with Zenit), Kornilenko’s fortune looks to be going in the pleasant direction. While his two goals were both a result of rather auspicious events, you have to give the Belarusian credit for being in the right place at the right time. The first came off a deflected cross from Ivanov, finding space in the area to sneak in his club’s opener. The second was a gift from Rostov left-back Dušan Anđelković, coughing up the ball deep in his own territory, but Kornilenko certainly finished emphatically.

Shamil Asildarov has started 2010 how he ended 2009. His goal was perhaps more an instinctual turn than an out-and-out header but he was involved and alert throughout the match against Sibir. We are likely to see better examples of his efficiency this year but Asildarov made his presence felt in the center and did his part to get Terek’s campaign off on the right foot.

Honorable mention:

Two honorable mentions: Sergey Narubin and Keisuke Honda (Photo: Aleksandr Melnikov)

Keisuke Honda’s memorable stoppage-time goal against Amkar reversed the psychological polarity of his club heading into their crucial Champions League match. After the substitution of Alan Dzagoev allowed Honda to push further forward into attack, the Army men look much less desperate against Amkar. His well-timed poke was quickly superseded by his free-kick against Sevilla but nevertheless his intelligent positioning should be remembered for saving the day for CSKA. We have a feeling his name will be continually cited in later weeks.

Amkar Perm’s left-back Vitaly Fedorov held his ground against Milos Krasic. No small feat. Although his club lost, the Ukrainian was truly on his toes the whole match–perhaps the quickest on the pitch on Friday.

While Krylia Sovetov suffered defeat they put in a hard-fought battle against a speedier and more technically proficient Zenit St. Petersburg. Young goalkeeper David Yurchenko (in his league debut) and defensive stalwart Aleksandr Belozyorov, in particular, warrant some praise for keeping the match close despite Zenit dominating possession.

Another goalkeeper named Sergey put in a fine performance last weekend, Amkar Perm’s Sergey Narubin. While his club suffered a bitter defeat in the last seconds they would have most likely not even had hope for a draw were it not for the intelligent play of their keeper. Narubin didn’t need to make any spectacular saves but he was calm and decisive coming off his line and quietly efficient.

The opinion of others:

Sport-Express: Ryzhikov (Rubin); Balyaikin (Rubin), Orekhov (Rubin), Epureanu (Dinamo), Ivanov (Tom Tomsk); Gorbanets (Rubin), Semshov (Dinamo), Danny (Zenit), Kasaev (Rubin); Asildarov (Terek Grozny), Kornilenko (Tom Tomsk).

Eurosport: Ryzhikov, Balyaikin, Lombaerts (Zenit), Epureanu, Ivanov; Gorbonets, Danny, Honda (CSKA), Kobenko (Terek); Bukharov (Rubin), Kornilenko.

Championat: Dikan (Terek); Balyaikin, Amisulashvili (Spartak Nalchik), Epureanu, Ivanov; Semshov, Danny, Honda, Kobenko; Bukharov, Kornilenko.

Soccer.ru: Ryzhikov; Balyaikin, Asatiani, Epureanu, Ivanov; Gorbanents, Semshov, Danny, Kobenko; Bukharov, Kornilenko.

Sportbox (reader’s poll): Gabulov (Dinamo); Balyaikin, Lombaerts, Fernandez (Dinamo), Jordi; Krasic (CSKA), Semshov, Honda, Kharitonov (Tom Tomsk); Danny, Kornilenko.

We’ll keep a running tally of all the “sbornaja of the week” picks—combining our own picks with the choices from the Russian media. From time to time we will post the cumulative results, hoping that it will be one prime indicator of who is putting in exceptional performances in the league this year.

Round One from the Terraces

Andrew Skomra — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:47:33 +0000

Spartak Moskva supporters on Sunday at Luzhniki (Photo: Ria Novosti / Vladimir Fedorenko)

Images from the terraces as Premier-Liga supporters came out in dramatic fashion.

Spartak banner (Photo: fanat1k.u)

Alaniya Vladikavkaz back in the Premier-Liga (Photo: fc-alania.ru)

Some dancing in Vladikavkaz prior to Alaniya's 1-1 draw against FK Saturn (Photo: fc-alania.ru)

Krylia Sovetov supporters on Saturday (Photo: TAR-TASS / Dmitry Burlakov)

Lokomotiv Moskva away supporters and banner in Kazan (Photo: RIA Novosti / Maxim Bogodvid)

Zenit's away supporters on Sunday in Samara (Photo: fc-zenit.ru)

CSKA fans on Friday at Arena Khimki. CSKA president Yevgeny Giner retired the number 12 in honor of the Army Men’s fans. (Photo: Sergey Dronyaeva / red-army.ru)

FK Moskva Withdraw from Premier-Liga

Andrew Skomra — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:18:57 +0000

FK Moskva will not be participating in the top flight of Russian football in 2010.

Norilsk Nickel, the corporation that is the primary sponsor of the club, has decided to cease funding the Citizens’ operations—forcing the club to withdraw from the Russian Premier-Liga.

Leonid Isakovich, director-general of the Sporting Projects Management Company, which oversees Norilsk Nickel’s funding projects, announced at a press conference today that “The management of Norilsk Nickel and Sporting Projects has made a decision to reorganize FK Moskva. The club will not participate in the Russian Premier-Liga.”

“We cannot persuade the residents of Norilsk why the company’s money should be spent in Moskva. With no support from Moskva or other structures we consider this project a dead end.”

“We were seeking another sponsor for the club but failed to find anybody.”

Isakovich believed that the club could retain their professional status and participate in the First or Second Division—but even that prospect is uncertain as it depends on the corporation’s ability to find a buyer or the club. The final decision over the club’s immediate future will be made by the end of March.

As a result of Norilsk Nickel’s decision all Moskva players will soon be asked to find new employment.

Only yesterday did the Citizens receive their license for the upcoming season from the RFU–a result of their lack of debt, rather than any proposed budget. The license formality, however, did not subdue the fears of the club’s players—who sent an open letter to the management of Norilsk Nickel in order to better understand the financial difficulties of the club.

Earlier today, in an interview with Chempionat, Moskva’s president Igor Dmitriev had commented on the players’ open letter and expressed his own concern as to the future of the club and the possibility of a merger.

“I did not know about the letter,” said Dmitriev. “For me it is news. But I understand the players’ concern. Today Norilsk Nickel representatives will hold a press conference, which will provide answers to all questions. Then it would be clear whether we have funding. Perhaps the club will seek a new investor. As for the possibility of merging with Torpedo [Moskva], I’m not excluding that scenario.”

With the dire news coming shortly after from above, the rumored merger with Torpedo now appears to be the best option for the club. However, Dmitriev will be meeting with Norilsk Nickel officials on Monday to discuss the club’s options.

FK Moskva become the first club to ever withdraw from the top division of Russian football.

It is likely that FK Alania Vladikavkaz, third-place finisher in the First Division, will be promoted to the top-flight, but the RPL has yet to comment.