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Friday, May 16, 2008 - Web posted at 12:27:08 GMT Advocaat hoping for more Russian success MANCHESTER - Dick Advocaat hopes Zenit St. Petersburg's Uefa Cup triumph will kickstart a Russian revolution in club soccer. |
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Advocaat led Zenit to its first European title at its first attempt Wednesday in a 2-0 win over Rangers at the City of Manchester Stadium, off goals from Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zyryanov. "Hopefully it's the start for Russian football, to start to build new stadiums, pitches and facilities for the kids," Advocaat said. "The money is there, so hopefully this prize must give them the feeling that if there is good organization at the club, they can also be on the path for Europe. "Otherwise it will be incidental." Three years ago, CSKA Moscow won the Uefa Cup title to become the first Russian team to earn a European honour. Arshavin is one of six Zenit players named in the provisional Russia squad for the European Championship. The Russia national team is also coached by a Dutchman, Guus Hiddink. The well-travelled Advocaat has transformed Zenit since joining in 2006 last season he led Zenit to its first Russian league title, meaning the club will play in the Champions League next season. Zenit eliminated Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen on the way to the final and also has significant support to build on its success it's owned by the wealthy Russian natural gas giant Gazprom and has fans in high places. Former Russian prime minister Viktor Zubkov, who was replaced by Vladimir Putin last week, celebrated with the players after the match in the locker room. And Putin himself called Advocaat after the match. Nampa-AP |
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