by Aleks V | @aleksvee

The second half of the 2015-16 Russian Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, March 5, with Krylya Sovetov hosting FC Rostov at 14:15 Moscow Time (6:15 a.m. ET). The winter transfer window has produced some exciting additions, giving us plenty to look forward to.

10. The Kuban step

Felipe Santana. Photo: FC Kuban

A struggling Kuban Krasnodar made the best out of the winter transfer window with seven free signings, including Schalke centre back Felipe Santana. The club will still need to pay its players, however. Kuban's financial woes led to a growing debt, with some players not being payed in months. The club's General Director Valery Statsenko said that the debts are currently being paid, and will soon disappear entirely. Meanwhile, manager Sergey Tashuev is tasked with crafting a new team mid-season. It'll be quite challenging, but when you're bottom of the table, there's not much else to do. Will Kuban find a money wise approach to rescue them from the impending doom of relegation?

9. The Bright cousin

Amkar Perm's new signings. Bright Dike is number 10. Photo: FC Amkar Perm

Chinedu Bright Dike, cousin of ex-Spartak forward Emmanuel Emenike, joined mid-table club Amkar Perm this winter as a free agent. The American-born Nigerian forward, who's also the older brother of FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup runner-up Courtney Dike, previously played in the U.S., where he scored 20 goals in 50 games for MLS club Portland Timbers, and had a great run at USL side Orange County Blues FC (6 goals and 2 assists in 10 appearances). It's not every day a former MLS player makes the move to Russia - Yura Movsisyan did so in 2011 - so there will be some added interest to his performance from abroad.

8. Ezekiel sees the Lokomotiv wheel

Photo: FC Lokomotiv on Twitter

The RPL's most expensive signing this winter was Ezekiel Henty, who joined Lokomotiv Moscow from Slovenian club NK Olimpija for 5 million euros. The 22-year-old winger's performance this season in the Prva Liga certainly justifies the sum - eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances. Plus, he doubles as a centre-forward.

7. Luke brings back the Force

Luke Wilkshire. Photo: FC Terek Grozny

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of big name signings, Australian right-back Luke Wilkshire quietly made his way back to Russia. The defender joined Terek Grozny in November as a free agent, being unattached since leaving Dutch side Feyenoord in August, but was only confirmed in the roster this winter. Last season found Luke struggling with thigh injuries, yet eking out four assists in 27 appearances, including one in Europa League qualifying. At his best, he's a great asset to the back line. He'll fit right in with Terek's powerful defense - the team lost only two games this season and conceded the second lowest number of goals. A winning equation has two parts, and Luke's ability to provide opportunities in the attack can help the 7th placed team move into Europa League territory. We can all be certain the Force is still strong with this one.

6. The young and the restless

21-year-old Tashaev had a goal and an assist in Dynamo's winter friendlies. Photo: rfpl.org

As the second youngest team in the Russian Premier League (average age: 25.9), Dynamo Moscow are entering a new era. It may be one of great difficulty, unexpected surprises, or both. After multiple seasons of transfer shenanigans, UEFA put their foot down, pushing the Moscow club to make adjustments with regards to Financial Fair Play. Dynamo ended up selling their most expensive players - mostly foreigners - and introducing salary caps. With these limits in place, they've had to rely on their U21s, some of who, like Tashaev, Terekhov, Katrich, and Obolskiy, have shown they can play well at the highest level. Dynamo's winter transfer window was marked by the departure of the overrated (Kokorin), the arrival of the underrated (Sebastian Holmen), and a blast from the past in the form of fullback Andrey Eshchenko, on loan until the end of the season a decade after his first loan spell at Dynamo. Like Kuban's Tashuev, Dynamo coach Andrey Kobelev is tasked with rebuilding a team. The only manager to lead Dynamo to a top 3 finish in the 21st century, Kobelev won't follow where the path may lead - he'll leave yet another trail.

5. FC Krasnodar's new stadium

Digital rendering of FC Krasnodar's new stadium.

Andres Villas-Boas is known for his constant complaints regarding the quality of pitches with artificial turf. It won't be long before he shows up to nail his 95 theses on the door of the Russian Football Union. Krasnodar's new stadium, however, won't make the list. The Bulls' new home, which will seat 33,000, is set to host its first game this summer. The turf is au naturale. If it opens in time to see AVB off, one thing's for sure - there's no chance of him complaining about this one.

4. AVB's farewell

Andres Villas-Boas. Photo: Instagram

Andres Villas-Boas has chosen to leave the reigning RPL champions at the end of the season. Under the Portuguese manager, Zenit won the 2014-15 Russian Premier League title and 2015 Super Cup. They are currently the last Russian team standing in Europe. They're also in the semi-finals of the domestic cup tournament. With the title still at stake, there are three opportunities for silverware. If Villas-Boas adds to his trophy collection before leaving Russia, he'll certainly fulfill his mission of "doing for Zenit what Peter the Great did for St. Petersburg".

3. Roman Shirokov

Roman Shirokov. Photo: pfc-cska.com

This is a no-brainer - the Russia national team captain's return to the club where he began his career was one of the biggest transfers this winter. The fact that he joined from Spartak Moscow only adds some extra spice to the derby. As a youth player, Shirokov never made CSKA's senior team. He has something to prove, and that means we'll likely see the return of the original, critically acclaimed midfielder who shone for Zenit five years ago. Leonid Slutsky, who is doing double duty at CSKA and Russia's NT, will be able to keep a better eye on him and help bring back the Shirokov we all love and look forward to seeing.

2. Alenichev's Spartak

"The title is that way." Photo: rfpl.org

Dmitri Alenichev said it loud and clear: He wants to win the title. Spartak are currently fourth, four points behind second placed Rostov and seven behind leaders CSKA. Despite the departure of a handful of key players like Movsisyan and Ozbiliz, Spartak only made one signing in the winter transfer window, acquiring the talented Paraguayan winger Lorenzo Melgarejo from Kuban Krasnodar. However, that signing was a good one - together with Quincy Promes, Spartak now have the season's top two goal scorers at their disposal. For a team with title ambitions, that may come in handy.

1. FC Rostov: A Cinderella Story

Kurban Berdyev: the man with a plan. Photo: FC Rostov

Rostov are the RPL's Leicester City. If Miodrag Bozovic was the Nigel Pearson to the RPL's Leicester, then Kurban Berdyev is their Claudio Ranieri, taking over and finishing what the other began. It's hard to imagine that a team that finished last season in the relegation play-offs is currently 2nd (!) behind CSKA, and has a realistic shot at their first Premier League title. Under Berdyev, Rostov have conceded the least number of goals of any RPL club this season. With 12 more games and 36 possible points left in the season, they'll do their best to keep the dream alive.

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

Week 19 of the 2014/15 Russian Premier League will feature one of the biggest fixtures of any season - the Moscow derby between Spartak and Dynamo. The oldest derby in Russian football was first played on June 17, 1923. Coincidentally, it was Dynamo Moscow's debut match. The game saw five goals, plenty of action, and a controversial late spot-kick that gave Spartak's predecessor, Krasnaya Presnya, the victory. To top it all off, the referee, Konstantin Kvashnin, would go on to play for and manage both sides! Needless to say, that game set the stage for a rivalry no lesser than the Manchester derby in England or El Derbi madrileno in Spain.

August 2014: The captains stand by for the coin toss. Photo: Konstantin Rybin

Dynamo and Spartak did not just dominate the Soviet Top League for many years, but also played together as one unit in the All-Union Spartakiad and sometimes traveled abroad representing Moscow in international friendlies. As with other rivalries, there were and still are players who leave one team for the other. Although such a move has long been regarded as betrayal, there is less of a stigma these days, since loyalty to one side for a long period of time is a rarity in modern football. Dynamo defender Vladimir Granat, currently on loan at Rostov, will join Spartak at the end of the season. A handful of managers have been at the helm for both sides. Dynamo's current head coach, Stanislav Cherchesov, played in goal for Spartak and managed the red-and-whites in 2007-2008.

While Dynamo's only domestic silverware since the collapse of the Soviet Union is the 1995 Russian Cup, Spartak were consistently successful at the dawn of post-Soviet football. The Romantsev era saw nine league titles, six of them consecutive, along with two Cup wins and a 1997-98 UEFA Cup semi-final appearance. Their streak began to peter out after Romantsev's exit, however. The club had seven managers in nine seasons, and while they did finish runners-up on five occasions, it's been almost 14 years since their last league title, and almost 12 since they last lifted the Russian Cup.

Dynamo, on the other hand, have not won a championship since 1976. The beginning of their title drought shifted the spotlight to their namesakes in Kiev, whose rivalry with Spartak attained a higher popularity in the 1970's. Spartak and Dynamo Moscow's form in recent years, however, has brought back potential for a resurgence of such games as the nostalgic among us have longed for. In the 2012/13 season, Spartak marked one of their biggest victories over Dynamo by winning four goals to nil. That same season, Dan Petrescu led the blue-and-whites to a 5:1 derby win, a score that they hadn't had against Spartak for 64 years.

Dynamo have yet to beat Spartak since that game. The start of the 2014/15 season marked the 200th match between Spartak and Dynamo, a 2:1 win for the red-and-whites away at Arena Khimki.

For the second season, Dynamo's unbeaten streak was cut short at 18 games as they went down 3:1 to Napoli in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16. Spartak saw their own unbeaten run come to an end - after seven home games without a loss, Yakin's men lost 3:1 to Krasnodar on the 8th of March.

Dynamo go into Sunday's game with the spectre of a European play-off round, while Spartak, free from the burden of other competitions, will be looking to rediscover their home field advantage. A six-point gap separates 7th place Spartak from 3rd place Dynamo. At this point in the season, every victory can have a monumental impact. Spartak's patience with managers is always hanging by a thread, and Dynamo are long overdue for a top three finish. What awaits us this time in the biggest Moscow derby?

Spartak Moscow vs Dynamo Moscow - Fast Facts:
200 games played (72-69-59)
Goals: 281-264

2014/15 RPL - Week 19
Spartak Moscow vs Dynamo Moscow
13:30 MSK (6:30am ET)
Otrkitie Arena
Referee: Aleksei Nikolaev
Suspensions: Kim Kallstrom (Spartak)

* Referee Aleksei Nikolaev has officiated three Spartak-Dynamo derbies (2 draws, 1 Spartak win) in which he gave out 17 yellow cards. In each game, he sent off a player after two bookings (2 Spartak, 1 Dynamo).

Giant Juicy Previews

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

With the second day of the 20th MLS season and the return of the 2014/15 RPL, GoalChatter takes a look at this weekend's action-packed football schedule. All times are in EST.

Saturday March 7

8:00am - RPL - Terek Grozny vs CSKA Moscow
The reigning champions of the Russian Premier League kick off the first RPL match of 2015 on Saturday morning with an away game against 9th placed Terek. Although the team from Grozny poses no threat to overtake the leader board and will probably finish the season mid-table, Leonid Slutskiy's men should be wary of the hosts' defense; Terek have thus far conceded the least number of goals at home in the Premier League. They've also signed defenders and forwards during the transfer window, including former Lokomotiv centre-back Rodolfo. Being away from their usual residence at Akhmat Arena, however, may tinker with their home field advantage. With 11 goals allowed in 7 away games, CSKA will need to focus on getting more clean sheets on the road. Goal difference may play a crucial role in the title race. The Army Men's main weakness, however, is the lack of an experienced player up front after Seydou Doumbia's departure to AS Roma. Will their newly-signed young strikers be up to the challenge?

11:00am - RPL - Zenit St Petersburg vs Ural

Zenit manager Andre Villas-Boas. Photo: Getty Images.

Andre Villas-Boas said he wanted to do for Zenit what Peter the Great did for St. Petersburg, and so far, he's been true to his word. With a 13-2-2 record and a spot in the Europa League Round of 16, Zenit are an unstoppable machine. A home game against relegation-bound Ural is likely to see them pass go and collect 3 points. Neither team has made any key signings, although Artem Dzyuba will be joining Zenit in the summer. Ural's veteran centre-back Solvi Ottesen left for Chinese club Jiangsu Sainty in February. For the visitors, it'll be one of many opportunities to attempt to salvage a spot in the Premier League.

10:30pm - MLS - Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake
Both teams are at a turning point. Portland start the season with injuries and a new keeper in goal after the departure of Donovan Ricketts to Orlando City SC. RSL's squad is a mix of young and experienced players in all positions. Both sides have shown some good football last season, but failed to meet expectations. What will happen this time around?

Sunday March 8

5:30am - RPL - Spartak Moscow vs Krasnodar

Otkritie Arena.

An epic battle between two teams in the race for a European spot. Krasnodar will attempt to break Spartak's unbeaten home record at Otkritie Arena. Adding drama to this fixture is Spartak midfielder Roman Shirokov's loan to the visitors. Although the Red-and-Whites have parted with a slew of key players, including Artem Dzyuba, and failed to replace them, the club has expressed their desire to shift focus on their homegrown players. Krasnodar, meanwhile, have loaned out defender Nikolay Markov and winger Nikita Burmistrov. Right-back Artur Jedrzejczyk is out injured and expected to return in late May. Refereeing may play a vital role - referee Sergey Ivanov is known for giving out bookings and has awarded 6 penalties in 11 games this season.

8:00am - RPL - Dynamo Moscow vs Ufa
Dynamo aim to keep expanding their 17-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. With just two points separating them from 2nd place CSKA, the Blue-and-Whites also have a shot at the silver medals and a Champions League spot. One of the tests for any successful side is whether or not they underestimate a seemingly lesser opponent. Another challenge for Dynamo will be solving their ongoing lack of a clear, consistent centre-forward. Ufa have strengthened their midfield and line of attack during the winter transfer window, and are looking to attain mid-table stability while avoiding the relegation zone.

10:30am - RPL - Rostov vs Lokomotiv Moscow
Bottom-of-the-table Rostov will attempt to regain their form with a new manager in Kurban Berdyev, and a slew of players on loan from bigger sides, including Artem Dzyuba and Sardar Azmoun. Berdyev will be tasked with the club's revival, and his coaching record shows he is up to the job. He made 30 appearances and scored 5 goals for Rostov as a player, and saw a successful 12-year coaching stint at Rubin Kazan that resulted in two Premier League titles, a Cup and two Super Cups. Rostov have been doing considerably better at home than away, so the support of their fans may help boost morale. Lokomotiv have one of the best defenses in the league and are just four points shy of 2nd place. They're always an ambitious side, so Rostov need to be careful to not allow goals.

4:00pm - MLS - Orlando City SC vs New York City FC

Orlando City supporters. Photo: orlandocitysc.com

Two new MLS teams face off in their inaugural season. The Big Apple has its first local football club since the New York Cosmos of the 70's and 80's, with a roster featuring a slew of familiar MLS players as well as Spanish forward David Villa. There's also a familiar coach in Jason Kreis, who led Real Salt Lake to their first MLS Cup. For Orlando, the game marks Florida's return to MLS after the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny were disbanded in 2001. Expectations are high for both sides.

6:00pm - MLS - Sporting Kansas City vs New York Red Bulls
The teams head into the new season with some big changes. For SKC, that includes the defense and the departure of Aurelien Collin and C.J. Sapong. For the Red Bulls, a new head coach after Mike Petke's successful run, and the absence of Thierry Henry. There's only one word to describe this fixture: uncertainty.

8:30pm - MLS - Seattle Sounders vs New England Revolution
Changes in defense for the Sounders with the departure of DeAndre Yedlin and Djimi Traore may shake things up in this fixture. They've signed veteran right- and centre-back Tyrone Mears, who played for English clubs like Bolton, Preston and Burnley, and 21-year-old left-back Andres Correa, who shone in the 2013 U-20 South American Championships. One of the main questions in this match-up will be Juan Agudelo's return to the Revs. Will he be able to return to the top of his game that he wowed us with in his early appearances for the USMNT?

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

The 2014-15 UEFA Europa League knockout round begins on Thursday, February 19th, and so far, it looks like it'll be a thriller. Most of the teams in the first leg of the Round of 32 will be meeting their opponents for the first time. Belgian Pro League champions RSC Anderlecht will host the group stage stars FC Dynamo Moscow at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium. Kick-off is at 21:05 CT (3:05pm EST).

Anderlecht

The Belgian club comes out of an unlucky Champions League group, where they faced the likes of Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and Galatasaray. With that in mind, they still managed to draw in one leg against each opponent. Anderlecht have been shaky at home in European competition, losing six games in a row before their 2-0 win against Galatasaray. Their domestic record tells a different story. They recently made the final of the Belgian Cup and are set to face Brugge in March. Their last Cup win was in the 2007-08 season.

Key Players

Mitrovic, Vanden Borre, and Mmemba, who all scored two goals in the UCL group stage, will be instrumental in the attack. Steven Defour will bring his experience in UEFA competition, and will likely make his 50th appearance in a UEFA club competition.

Record vs Clubs From Opponent's Country

Anderlecht last faced a Russian club in Europe in 2012, when they beat Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 in the 2nd leg of the Champions League group stage. They are 5-1-6 in Europe against Russian sides with 21 goals for and against, so a game against Dynamo can either make or break their hopes for the next round.

Dynamo Moscow

Dynamo are unbeaten in their last 15 games in all competitions, and recently took home The Atlantic Cup, ending a trophy drought of nearly 20 years. The blue-and-whites are also unbeaten in this season's Europa League from the third qualifying round onward.

Key Players

Mathieu Valbuena never ceases to amaze; he's a universal player who can be instrumental anywhere on the pitch. Be on the lookout for his set piece deliveries. Alex Buttner has stepped up his game, contributing both in the defense and attack. William Vainqueur played alongside Anderlecht's Defour and Cyriac while at R. Standard de Liege.

Record vs Clubs From Opponent's Country

Dynamo haven't played a Belgian club in an official match since 1997, when they won 3-2 against KRC Genk in the group stage of the UEFA Intertoto Cup. They've lost three of their seven games in Europe against Belgian sides, with a goal difference of 8-10.

The Managers

Neither Besnik Hasi or Stanislav Cherchesov have won a European cup as a player or manager.

In his first ever season as head coach, Hasi won the Belgian Pro League and Super Cup while leading Anderlecht to their first UEFA knockout stage in 3 seasons.

Cherchesov led Dynamo to the UEL group stage and knockout round for the first time in the club's history. In the Russian Premier League, he established Dynamo as a top 4 contender.

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

Photo: desporto.sapo.pt

It's all come down to a classic clash between the favorites and the underdog. In their first ever meeting, Dynamo Moscow and Orebro SK will play for the 2015 Atlantic Cup on Saturday at 17.30 MSK (9:30am EST). Many are quick to look over a friendly tournament, even one with a trophy. For Dynamo and Orebro, however, it's an opportunity to make history. Dynamo last won a trophy in 1995, taking home the Russian Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout against FC Rotor. The blue-and-whites have also won a friendly tournament, taking home the Ciutat de Barcelona trophy in 1976. Orebro, a club that was founded in 1908, have yet to win a Cup tournament. The closest they came was the 1987-88 Svenska Cupen (Swedish Cup), in which they were runners-up to IFK Norrkoping. Unlike Dynamo, who are newcomers to the tournament, Orebro are in the running for a second year in a row. Last year's Atlantic Cup was bittersweet for the Swedes, who finished second to FC Copenhagen on goal difference. Orebro's Alexander Axen will try leading the team to a different result this time around, all the while looking for his first silverware as head coach. It won't be an easy task, however. Dynamo have a 13-game unbeaten streak in all competitions stemming from last November. Axen won't be alone in his quest - Dynamo's Stanislav Cherchesov has yet to win a trophy in his managerial career. Tomorrow's game will see one manager lifting their club's trophy drought while adding a prestigious award to his resume. The Estadio Algarve awaits.

Road to the Final

Dynamo Moscow - Wins over Copenhagen (2:1) and Goteborg (2:0).


Orebro SK - Defeated Midtjylland in penalties. Won 2:1 against Brondby IF.


Record vs Clubs From Opponent's Country
Dynamo Moscow vs Swedish clubs: +8=2-1 | GD: 36-11
Orebro SK vs Russian clubs: -2 | GD: 1-6

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

The fourth edition of The Atlantic Cup kicks off on Friday, January 30 at Algarve, Portugal with reigning champions FC Copenhagen playing Europa League contenders Dynamo Moscow. The tournament, organized by former Sweden and Arsenal midfielder Stefan Schwarz along with ex-Millwall keeper Brian Horne, attracts teams whose domestic tournaments are on pre- or mid-season break during the winter months, providing a chance to get some valuable playing time in a competitive environment. Eight teams from four countries, including two previous winners, will vie for the trophy. This year's Atlantic Cup is the second to feature a team from the Russian Premier League. Dynamo Moscow come off a victorious UEL group stage run, and are the only participating club currently vying for a European Cup. Spartak Moscow finished in 3rd place last year, winning two of their three games and losing 5:0 to the eventual champions.

Unlike last year's tournament, the 2015 Atlantic Cup will feature a group stage and a final contested by the group winners. FC Copehagen won the 2014 Altantic Cup on goal difference after both the Danish side and Swedish runners-up Orebro SK finished with 9 points after 3 games. The Danes did not concede any goals.

Coverage will be provided by TV3 SPORT.

Participating Teams by Country
3 Danish: FC Copenhagen, Brondby IF, FC Midtjylland
2 Swedish: IFK Goteborg, Orebro SK
2 Czech: Mlada Boleslav, Baumit Jablonec
1 Russian: FC Dynamo Moscow

Facts and Figures
- Colombia have won their last four WC games and have scored more goals (11) than Brazil (8) so far in the tournament. Only the Netherlands have scored more goals than Colombia (12).
- However, Brazil leads in corners (27 to Colombia's 14), suggesting set pieces will be crucial in this game.
- Brazil are 20-10-5 (WDL) against Colombia, scoring 76 goals to Colombia's 25.
- Brazil's last three meetings with Colombia were scoreless draws. The last time Brazil beat Colombia was in 2003 (1:2) in the Qualifying round for WC 2006.
- Brazil and Colombia have never faced each other in the World Cup outside of the Qualifying stage.
- Colombia will play in the Quarter-finals for the first time in history. Their second best result was reaching the Round of 16 in World Cup 1990 before being eliminated by Cameroon 2-1 (aet).
- Colombia's James Rodriguez is currently the tournament's top scorer (5 goals). Brazil's Neymar is just one goal behind, tied with Germany's Thomas Muller and Argentina's Lionel Messi.
- Colombia's Juan Cuadrado currently has the most assists (4).

Notable Meetings

Brazil and Colombia's most memorable match came in the Final Round of the 1957 South American Championship at Estadio Nacional Jose Diaz, when Brazil hammered Colombia 9-0. The game featured 5 goals by Evaristo as well as a double by Didi.

Watch the rare highlights here (complete with commentary!):



Prediction

Brazil 3-1 Colombia: The match-up appears to be one in which the team playing the better-looking football won't be the team that wins (think Switzerland or Mexico). There's no doubt that Brazil will be in the semi-finals. They won't keep a clean sheet, but they won't score 9 goals either.

2014 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals
Brazil vs Colombia - 4pm ET
Local TV: Univision

Ir'a bit disappointing knowing either Germany or France will be packing their bags after tomorrow's quarter-final game in Rio de Janeiro. Both teams have been a pleasure to watch as they finished top of their respective groups without losing a game. There's no question that both teams deserve to have made it this far, and perhaps the disappointment is in knowing that this won't be a semi-final. Whoever wins, it'll be quite a close call.

Notable Games

France and Germany haven't met in the World Cup after Germany's unification. West Germany faced France in the match for third place at World Cup 1958, the French leading 3:1 at half-time and winning 6:3. Just Fontaine scored 4 goals for the French and became the tournament's top-scorer with 13 goals, the most any player has ever scored in a single World Cup, a record that's still in effect. The Germans would have to wait 24 years to beat the French in an official match. It was the semi-final of the 1982 World Cup. After Platini's penalty equalizer, the Germans came back twice with goals from Rummenigge and Fischer. The match went to a penalty shootout in which the Germans emerged victorious. (Unfortunately, the game is also remembered for 'the most notorious foul in World Cup history', one which badly injured French player Patrick Battiston and was seemingly ignored by the referee.)

Watch the 1982 World Cup semi-final below (with French commentary):



Four years later, the teams would meet in the World Cup semi-finals yet again. It was another win for the Germans, who kept a clean sheet this time. Yet the Mannschaft of the 80's were the Oranje of the 70's, reaching consecutive finals and coming up short (interestingly, both Germany and the Netherlands lost a final to Argentina).

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow...

History will be made should France win tomorrow's Quarter-Final. Excluding West Germany's Olympic Qualifier in 1984, Les Bleus haven't beaten the Germans in an official game since 1958. Germany, meanwhile, will be looking for more than a 3rd consecutive 3rd-place finish. They have been the best passers in World Cup 2014 thus far and are ahead of the French in all statistics. France have committed more fouls and collected more yellow cards, which isn't reassuring for the team that didn't make it out of the Group Stage in South Africa four years ago.

Although Germany may be seen as the favorites in this match-up, a French comeback shouldn't be ruled out. At the helm, Les Bleus have Didier Deschamps, the captain of the 1998 World Cup-winning French side. Considering the team's improvements and Karim Benzema's excellent form, there's hope yet for Deschamps and co.

France vs Germany - Facts and Figures

- Head-to-Head (including West Germany stats): 27 games, 12-7-8
- Last 3 meetings: 0:0, 2:1, 1:2
- All meetings considered, France and Germany have scored 43 goals each, with a goal difference of 0.
- Both France and Germany have reached back-to-back finals in the Euro and World Cup.
- As a general rule, teams that do well in the European Championship tend to do well in the subsequent World Cup. France reached the QF's of Euro 2012, while Germany reached the semi-finals.
- Both teams have won the World Cup, France with 1 win (1998) and Germany with 3 (1954, 1974, 1990).
- Top 4 finishes: Germany - 12, France - 5
- France are the only team to win the World Cup and concede only 2 goals in the tournament (1998).
- Germany won the 1954 World Cup while both scoring and conceding the greatest number of goals of any WC winner (25-14).
- Record in World Cup PK shootouts: France - LWWL, Germany - WWWW

Prediction

2-2 (Germany win in ET or PK's) - It'll be a fairly even game, with a bit of a German advantage. But as we've seen, a sturdy defense can keep them at bay. The French have only conceded 2 goals in the tournament, three times less than the U.S., who only lost 1-0 to Germany in the Group Stage. If the game goes to penalties, Germany are the clear favorites, having never lost in a World Cup penalty shootout. In essence, it'll be a replay of the 1982 semi-final, only with less goals.

2014 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals
France vs Germany - 12pm/ET
Local TV: Univision

Group B: Australia


Like Mexico's national team, the Socceroos are going through a period of transition. Ange Postecoglou took over from Holger Osieck as manager in October of last year. Many expect the decorated Australian A-League specialist to feature a much younger side that will bring a breath of fresh air - and possibly silverware - for the national team.

Predicted Squad

Goalkeepers:
Matthew Ryan
Brad Jones
Mitchell Langerak

22-year-old Matt Ryan already has five caps for the senior team and is likely to start, with Liverpool's Brad Jones as his double. Ryan kept a record of 12 clean sheets last season, more than any other goalkeeper in the A-League.

Defenders:
RB Luke Wilkshire
CB Matthew Spiranovic
RB/CB Ryan McGowan
RB/RM Ivan Franjic
LB Jason Davidson
CB Curtis Good
CB Alex Wilkinson
LB Michael Zullo

Earlier doubts on Luke Wilkshire's presence in the tournament are unlikely to mar his chances for a call-up. The Dynamo Moscow right back saw more playing time in recent RPL games. Newcastle's Curtis Good may feature as well.

Midfielders:
AM Brett Holman
CM Mile Jedinak
DM Mark Milligan
AM/RW Dario Vidosic
LW Tommy Oar
DM James Holland
AM Tom Rogic
RM Adam Sarota

Brett Holman, who scored against Ghana and Serbia in the last World Cup, will be one of the more experienced players leading the Socceroos' midfield. One of Australia's few EPL players, Chris Herd, is likely to miss out on the tournament due to his hamstring injury. Mile Jedinak wore the captain's armband in the recent friendly against Ecuador. The Crystal Palace midfielder will likely bring his success at the club level to the national team.

Forwards:
Tim Cahill
Matthew Leckie
Josh Kennedy
Tomi Juric

Mitchell Duke or Tomi Juric? That is the question for Postecoglu should he choose two veteran strikers plus Leckie, leaving only one spot for a younger forward. New York Red Bulls forward Tim Cahill is a no-brainer; having recently returned from a hamstring injury, he's one of the few top-level forwards the Socceroos have at their disposal. Josh Kennedy featured in the last WC. He's been going strong in the J. League, which may give him an edge over the younger contenders. Should Postecoglu go for a younger forward, 20-year-old Adam Taggart is an option. The Newcastle Jets player has been voted by fans as one of the Socceroos' most underrated players.

Result Predictions:

vs Spain: 1-3
The first-ever game in this matchup will undoubtedly leave the reigning World Cup champions victorious. The World Cup has its share of surprises, however.

vs Netherlands: 2-2
Australia have never played an official game against the Netherlands. Since being runners-up in the last World Cup, the Oranje have taken a backseat to teams like Germany, Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. A resultative draw against the Socceroos waits.  

vs Chile: 2-3
The team ranked right above the Netherlands, Chile last met Australia in the World Cup during the group stage of the 1974 tournament. That meeting ended in a scoreless draw. The teams have since faced off in friendlies, all of which ended in favor of Chile. It'll be a close call this time around, but Chile will emerge victorious.

Predicted Group Stage Finish:

Spain
Chile
Netherlands
Australia

Trivia:

* Australia's friendly against Ecuador in March featured a roster of players with club careers in 13 different countries.
* In the 2010 World Cup, Australia didn't make it out of their group on goal difference.
* After missing out on the tournament for 32 years, Australia gave its best World Cup performance to date in 2006, reaching the Round of 16. They were eliminated by a 10-man Italy when referee Luis Medina Cantalejo gave a controversial penalty in the final seconds of added time. (Fabio Grosso fell over Lucas Neill in the box.) The decision to send off Italy's Marco Materazzi for a tackle on Australia's Marco Bresciano was deemed controversial as well, though the challenge does appear reckless. Italy went on to win the tournament.
* The Socceroos' most famous WC-related match was probably their record-breaking 31:0 win over American Samoa in the Qualifying games for the 2002 tournament. Archie Thompson scored 13 goals, the most thus far in an international match.
* Australia's last silverware was the 2004 OFC Nations Cup. Along with New Zealand, the Socceroos have the most titles (4). It is the only tournament the national team has won.

by Aleks V

The first in a World Cup preview series that highlights one team from each Group.

Group A: Mexico

Mexico celebrate a goal in a World Cup Qualifier against New Zealand. Photo: REUTERS

One of the most highly-anticipated teams in the tournament other than the host nation is the Mexican national team. Having hired a new coach for their last Qualifying games, El Tri are an engima. Qualifiers and friendlies haven't given us enough perspective into just what this particular side is capable of. One thing is for sure - Mexico coach Miguel Herrera is unlikely to change most of the key players he's called up for the last Qualifying games. Relying on quite a few players from his former coaching job at Club América gives him the advantage of knowing who can deliver the results he wants. The World Cup will be the ultimate test for Herrera, and will prove whether a successful club manager can translate his expertise to the national team level with minimal time and maximum resources.


Predicted Squad

Goalkeepers:
Moises Munoz
Guillermo Ochoa
Jose Corona


Given the choice between Ochoa or Jonathan Orozco in goal, Herrera will likely choose the former América keeper, who has 56 caps for the national team. Munoz has proven to be a spectacular keeper at América after Ochoa's departure and may be in the starting XI during the Group Stage, alternating with Ochoa if Mexico makes the next round.

Defenders:
LB Jorge Torres Nilo
LB Adrian Aldrete
CB/LB Juan Carlos Valenzuela
CB/DM Rafael Marquez
CB Francisco Javier Rodriguez
CB Hector Moreno
RB/LB Miguel Layun
RB Paul Aguilar


Marquez is Mexico's most experienced player and will no doubt play an important role in their WC campaign. Centre back Hector Moreno, who played for Mexico in the last World Cup as well as in the 2005 U-17 tournament, is a likely candidate for Herrera's side. Francisco Rodriguez might be preferred over 21-year-old Diego Reyes if Herrera goes for an older back four. There's less competition for the left-back spot, so Club América's Adrian Aldrete will likely feature.

Midfielders:
LW/LB Andres Guardado
LW Alonso Escoboza
DM Jesus Zavala
AM Marco Fabian
AM Isaac Brizuela
RM Juan Carlos Medina
RM Javier Aquino

Recently, Mexico's midfield has had more of an emphasis on the center than on the wings. The young Escoboza who featured against New Zealand in the Qualifiers may be an option on the bench, with Guardado starting on the left wing.

Forwards:
Javier Hernandez
Raul Jimenez
Oribe Peralta
Giovani dos Santos


Manchester United's Chicharito and Santos Laguna's Oribe Peralta are obvious choices. Raul Jimenez is likely to be chosen over the recently called-up Alan Pulido, with 22 caps as opposed to Pulido's 3. Dos Santos is the next youngest forward available after Jimenez, and is more experienced than any of the recent call-ups. Although recovering from a left calf injury, the Villareal player is expected to feature in Herrera's WC roster.

Predicted Results

vs. Cameroon - 4:0
The last World Cup saw Cameroon lose all three of its Group Stage games, although they did prevent Denmark and the Netherlands from keeping a clean sheet. In only the second-ever and first official Mexico-Cameroon match-up, expect an easy win for El Tri. 

vs. Brazil - 2:2
With two strong, goal-scoring teams, a fiery draw is almost certain.

vs. Croatia - 2:1
Croatia can score when they want, and with a great goalkeeper in Stipe Pletikosa, The Blazers are unlikely to concede plenty of goals.  

Predicted Group Stage Finish

Brazil
Mexico
Croatia
Cameroon

Facts and Figures

* In the 2010 World Cup, Mexico was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 3-1 defeat to Argentina. Javier Hernandez scored their only goal.
* Mexico's best World Cup performance was as a host nation, reaching the Quarter-Finals in 1970 and 1986. They were eliminated with the same score of 1:4 by Italy and West Germany respectively, the latter on penalties.
* Mexico met Brazil in the Group Stage in three other World Cup tournaments (1950, 1954, 1962). They lost on all three occasions, unable to score a single goal.

Dynamo fan banner: "Greatness and honor cannot be bought."

Dan Petrescu has not always kept his cool.

Striker Andriy Voronin.

Dynamo players celebrate their win over Anzhi.

Published on Russian Football News.

The third Moscow derby of 2013 is guaranteed to be unpredictable. The league's current front-runners, CSKA, will play Dynamo on their shared stadium, Arena Khimki, this Friday April 12. Petrescu's side is looking to further extend their unbeaten run in the league to an impressive 10 games after last week's tie with Amkar. Although some fans have been far from impressed with the recent fixtures, there is much to be said about the 5th place team that started the 1st leg of the season in 16th. The race is on for the RPL's top 4, so a win would be a crucial result for the Dynamo, who, despite losing the first five fixtures, are now contenders for a fourth and possibly a third place finish. Dynamo is vying with some of this season's toughest sides, including Rubin, Kuban, and the Moscovites' age-old rivals, Spartak. Then there's Anzhi, the club that's been slipping as of late, conceding plenty of goals to teams in the lower half of the table despite a period of consistent success. Hiddink's side seems to have lost its spark, and it's questionable whether they'll be able to get back on track in time to cinch the title. The issue isn't just the team itself, but the fact that many clubs in the middle and lower half of the table have progressed tremendously. Just like many of Manchester United's successful fixtures in the EPL can be partly attributed to the acquisition of Robin van Persie, several teams in the RPL have taken advantage of the transfer window to strengthen their lines of attack. With Vagner Love back from his loan and Doumbia back from injury, the Army Men have upstaged Anzhi, sending them to 3rd place and creating a rather impressive 13-point gap in the league table (even Zenit is a whole 11 points behind CSKA). However, both teams face several challenges going into this match-up. CSKA's Love is suspended for the next game, as is Dynamo's Kuranyi, who got his last yellow for dissent during the match at Amkar. It is questionable whether Dynamo's top-scorer Aleksandr Kokorin will be fit enough to return to the line-up. Though several players as well as supporters have noted the negative impact of his absence on the pitch in the last fixture, the wise among the bunch rightfully understand that he's not the team's magic wand. It is likely that Dan Petrescu will take advantage of the opportunity to showcase some younger talent in the starting eleven, continuing his trend of testing less experienced players to create some friendly competition within the squad.

Even without Vagner Love, Dynamo should not take the Army Men lightly. The blue-and-reds showcased a solid midfield in their game against Volga, with Swedish double Wernbloom and Elm getting rave reviews from the press (ironically, Elm's blunder helped Dzsudzsak net one in last year). The team has also done well with almost no strikers up front. Dynamo, however, have had few options in the line of attack themselves, but that factor has not prevented them from gaining points thus far. Goal-scoring responsibilities for either side are going to rest on the shoulders of the youth. Dynamo will most likely rely on the likes of 20-year-old Solomatin and Solovyov, although veteran striker Sergei Davydov may make an appearance.

There's no doubt that CSKA manager Leonid Slutsky clearly remembers his team's two losses to Petrescu's side in the 1st leg; Dynamo were 12 points behind they surprised the Army Men with a shocking 2-0 blow in the RPL's 10th Matchweek back in September. The blue-and-whites' growing consistency and current level of fitness are more than enough to compensate for the gap between the two sides. Dynamo will look to secure the fourth spot in the table, while CSKA will focus on expanding their gap with second-place Zenit St Petersburg.

As the Champions and Europa Leagues once again begin to overshadow the rest of the footballing world, exciting games, especially friendlies, are few and far between. On Saturday, February 23rd, fans across the globe will be treated to an exceptional match-up between two formidable opponents whose last encounter lies buried deep in the recent past. Champions League contenders and reigning champions of Ukraine Shakhtar Donetsk will play against the oldest Russian club, FC Dynamo Moscow. Whenever Shakhtar and Dynamo are mentioned in the same sentence, most people think of the Dynamo from Kiev, the Pitmen's historic rivals. However, the modern era has set the stage for the Moscovites to play a challenging and entertaining 90 minutes against the team from Donetsk. The ever-successful Ukrainians have been under the management of Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu for nearly 9 years, stockpiling 6 championship wins, 4 national Cups, 4 Super Cups, and a UEFA Cup. The club reached the Champions League quarter finals for the first time in 2011, but lost 6-1 to Barcelona. Nevertheless, last season saw the club win a domestic treble. The Pitmen finished the first half of the current season at the top of the table, leaving a 13-point gap that nearly guarantees the team a championship win.

Shakhtar's efforts are currently focused on the 2012-13 CL's round of 16. The team was minutes away from winning the first leg against Dortmund but fell short of a victory just 3 minutes before the final whistle thanks to a header by Mats Hummels.

Dynamo Moscow fell short of a Europa League spell last August in a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Stuttgart. Yet the team's failure to advance to the EL group stage was incomparable to their domestic failures. A humiliating 4-0 loss to Spartak in the oldest Russian derby set the stage for a lingering presence in last place, with only one win in the first six games of the season. The club's downward spiral sparked interest from international press, some of which went so far as to say that the team faces relegation. The Blue and Whites then underwent a transformation as many of the club's personnel left amid speculation of corruption, and a new manager whose legendary playing career with the English Blues took to rebuilding the Russian club. In less than half of the regular season, Dan Petrescu elevated the team halfway up the table, leaving Dynamo just 1 win away from tying with the 4th and 5th place teams. The most important victory, however, came in late November, when the Moscovites emerged victorious in the oldest Russian derby, vengefully grabbing a 5-1 win over their city rivals. An important facet of the game went completely overlooked by the rest of the world: it was the first time Dynamo had scored 5 goals against Spartak in 64 years.

Shakhtar and Dynamo have never faced each other in a European competition, but the friendly evokes a new set of expectations for both teams as the Ukraine and Russian Premier Leagues await the start of what looks to be the most compelling spring tourney of the 21st century.

Check back for updates on line-up predictions and the time of the match.

International Club Friendly - Saturday, February 23, 2013
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Dynamo Moscow
Time: 9:00 AM (ET)
Where to watch: FCDM Official YouTube Channel
Expected Line-Ups: TBA

Giant Juicy Previews

Spartak Moscow vs. Dynamo Moscow
Sunday, November 25, 2012, 13:30 MSK/4:30 AM EST
Luzhniki Stadium

If you Google "Russian Clasico", the first thing that pops up is a video claiming the Russian Clasico is CSKA vs. Spartak Moscow. You also get photos of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pep Guardiola, and Rafa Benitez, so something must be wrong with this picture. What the world's most famous search engine - as well as most people - are unaware of is that the most historic Russian derby does indeed involve Spartak Moscow, and a different team from the same Russian city, a team whose motto is "power in motion". A total of 163 games have been played between Spartak and Dynamo Moscow, as opposed to the 151 played between Spartak and CSKA. But hints of the Dynamo-Spartak rivalry began much earlier than that. Dynamo's very first season in 1923 saw a spring quarterfinal in the Moscow league against the now-defunct FC Presnya Moscow, a club that served as the basis for the founding of Spartak. Interestingly, one of the players on the FC Presnya roster at the time was Nikolai Starostin, later the founder as well as a player and manager of Spartak. Dynamo lost 2-3, conceding the last goal after a controversial penalty call from referee Konstantin Kvashnin, who would go on to become Dynamo's first manager. As if that wasn't enough irony, Kvashnin started his playing career at Spartak at the time of Dynamo's founding; he would switch clubs only five years later.

Dynamo Moscow loses 3:0 to Spartak in the final of the 1950 Soviet Cup. Credit: Spartakfanat

The first ever game between Dynamo and Spartak in the Soviet Top League was played on Saturday, July 11, 1936 and ended in a 1:0 win by the Blue-and-Whites. The Soviet Top League, which was one of the strongest leagues in the world throughout its existence, started off with, and saw through much of its history, a back-and-forth rivalry between the teams, Dynamo Moscow winning the very first season in the spring and Spartak taking third place behind Dynamo Kiev. Spartak reclaimed the championship in the fall, but lost out to Dynamo again the following year.

As with any derby, there are sociopolitical factors involved that have changed over time. Some of the political controversies are mentioned in Starostin's Football Through the Years, but seem to be the author's opinion more so than events rooted in fact. Hence, unlike La Liga's El Clasico, politics play a much lesser role, and the emphasis in the derby is on the rivalry itself. Perhaps the Russian Clasico is underrated as it has fluctuated in its influence over the years; the post-Soviet era has seen a greater emphasis on Spartak v. CSKA, and even Spartak v. Dynamo Kiev. Alas, it was a dark and stormy night in early August as Dynamo conceded 4 goals to the Reds, also known as the Meat, in what would be former manager Sergei Silkin's last match with the team. The match proved a solemn truth - sometimes, a humiliating defeat is the only way to put an end to the worst era in a club's history.

Dynamo wins 2:0 against Spartak in 2011.

Dynamo has met great difficulties in the modern era, and the Clasico has been no exception. The 2012/2013 RPL season saw one of Dynamo's worst losses in the modern era with a 4:0 defeat to the Reds, a game that solidified itself as Spartak's 4th largest win in 76 years of the derby's history. Dynamo's last win over their rivals was on June 22, 2011, a 2:0 triumph with goals by veterans Igor Semshov and Andriy Voronin, both of who were part of Dynamo's ever-successful Fab Five. Semshov, a talented midfielder who played for Russia's National Team as well as the Olympic Team, has 5 goals and one assist this season in all competitions, while Voronin is currently on loan to Fortuna Dusseldorf in the Bundesliga until June 2013.

Meanwhile, Spartak has seen a more consistent record. The Reds finished last season in 2nd place, and unlike Dynamo, their record of silverware extends well into the modern era. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Spartak have won the Championship 9 times, finishing as runners-up in the last several years. Beside that are 3 Russian Cup wins and a bouquet of semi-final and quarter-final accomplishments (the team reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League two seasons ago). Dynamo's 1995 Russian Cup, the sole award of the Blue-and-Whites in the post-Soviet era, simply pales in comparison.

As Spartak continues to hold a prominent presence in the league, Dynamo's challenge remains - making the top 5 by the end of the season. Yet this season poses an interesting challenge to both teams as clubs like Kuban and Terek are just two points away from fourth place Rubin. Of course, the Reds have only a 10-point gap between leaders CSKA, as opposed to Dynamo's 21. But if the beginning of this season is any indication, we're sure to see plenty of surprises along the way. From Terek taking up the top spot to CSKA's two-time defeat to Dynamo, Russian football in the 2012/13 season has been topsy-turvy. What team, if any, will be minding the gap, and just what does the Oldest Russian Derby hold in store for the Thanksgiving weekend?

Previous Derbies:

Spartak vs. Dynamo: 0:2 (2011 season)


--
Dynamo vs. Spartak - By the Numbers:

Wins by Spartak: 57
Wins by Dynamo: 44
Draws: 62

Biggest wins:
Spartak - 7:1 (1991 USSR Championship)
Dynamo - 5:0 (1946 USSR Championship)

Trophy Wins:
Soviet Top League (USSR Championship) - Spartak: 12, Dynamo: 11.
Russian Championship - Spartak: 9, Dynamo: 0.
Soviet Cup - Spartak: 10, Dynamo: 6.
Russian Cup - Spartak: 3, Dynamo: 1.
Soviet SuperCup - Spartak: 0, Dynamo: 1.
USSR Federation Cup - Spartak: 1, Dynamo: 0.

Total Number of Cups -
Spartak: 35
Dynamo: 19

21 - Number of players who played for both teams
4 - Number of managers with spells at both clubs.
2 - Number of players who played for one club, but managed the other. Both played for Dynamo and later managed Spartak.