FC Volgar-Gazprom’s Aleksandr Krotov delighted to have eliminated CSKA Moscow from Russian Cup
FC Volgar-Gazprom Astrakhan head coach, Aleksandr Krotov, is delighted with the team spirit that denied progression to the defending Russian Cup champions, CSKA Moscow. Volgar-Gazprom defeated the Army Men with a late goal at the central stadium, Astrakhan.
Astrakhan had been going through a tender phase in the Russian First Division, residing close to the drop zone. Having lost the last two league matches against Mordovia Saransk and FK Kamaz respectively, some senior analysts had ruled out the lower league
team from progressing any further in the tournament after being drawn against the mighty CSKA Moscow.
But the hosts manage to put pressure on the Army Men early on and knew that CSKA would attack them with their full potential. The outfit played defensively throughout the game and landed the knockout blow in the closing stages of the game.
Astrakhan centre half, Vitali Chochiyev, struck a thunderbolt strike that zipped past the goalkeeper into the back of the net, just two minutes before the final whistle, leaving the visitors stunned with no time for an equaliser.
“I am glad that the team persevered, because almost the whole game we had in the defence. It is pleasant for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Chochiyev - the guy was worried for a long time as he could not score, but he finally got the chance and used it magnificently.” Krotov was
quoted as saying.
Krotov revealed that he is absolutely delighted with the way his team has performed, eliminating the Russian Cup finalists, Alania Vladikavkaz, previously and now the cup holders, which will send a clear signal to the opponents about the strengths of Astrakhan.
Krotov laid emphasis on the midfield by suggesting that the midfielders usually influence the whole game. The Russian national highlighted that the team has excellent strike force and attacking midfielders but they currently lack any real holding midfielders.
“The main goal is to strengthen the central axis. We have the support of the attacking midfielders and strikers. The potential of the players at our disposal cannot be well used until the midfield manages to control the game.” Krotov went on.
The manager has urged his team to kick start the second round of the Football Championship of the National League by earning more points that would help the club break into the top eight teams of the league.
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