Russia-Serbia

At Loko very shortly for the "brotherhood match" and much is being spoken about the need for a big win before facing Ireland. The local media are slagging off Arshavin for not being a leader, Zhirkov for copping out and are basically down on all their players. There is a really nasty atmosphere around with lots of skinheaded goons from both sides strutting their stuff. Nice parallel of two Orthodox countries facing off with 2 "catholic" countries over in Dublin going at it.

Looking forward to seeing some good football though, no love lost between the players and a few of the Serbians basedor were based here.

Nice one Spud. Looking forward to hearing some first hand reports of how the Russians are faring up, especially before my first trip to the Motherland in a month.

When you're coming let me know, I'll stand you a pint of Bass :-)

Should mention it's been tipping it down all day here so no need to water the pitch. Decent crowd in with both sides chanting "Kosovo is Serbia"

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Originally Posted by Spudulika

When you're coming let me know, I'll stand you a pint of Bass :-)

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Be arriving the Saturday after Slovakia match. Taking in Moscow, then taking train up to St.Petersburg for a few days after the Russia game. Very much looking forward to it. Forget the Bass, I'll have something local!

So far so good, I'd love if the Ireland match was here, so much better than that craphole down the other end of the red line. The Serbians are very negative and look like they've packed the midfield. Arshavin is playing well, came close, but nothing too exciting so far.

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Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

Be arriving the Saturday after Slovakia match. Taking in Moscow, then taking train up to St.Petersburg for a few days after the Russia game. Very much looking forward to it. Forget the Bass, I'll have something local!

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You're doing the right thing, and arriving at the right time too. Seems most I've been hearing from are landing in just before the match!

Cheers for the updates spudulika.

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Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

Be arriving the Saturday after Slovakia match. Taking in Moscow, then taking train up to St.Petersburg for a few days after the Russia game. Very much looking forward to it. Forget the Bass, I'll have something local!

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Just don't end up in a barrel floating down the river Swan. You know how the song goes; "There's only one Rasputin...only one..."

Russia not playing well, making a sub already. Kerzhakov faking an injury, Pogrebnyak on.

Arshavin just split one of the Serbs open with his head. Russian defence is awful, if the Serbs put a 2nd striker in they'd wreck them. Got a boxers neck under his left brow. Atmos building and building. Pantelic is losing it, he's stuck up front on his own and not getting support.

Extra: Arshavin off, Bilyatedinov on. Big homecoming welcome for Dinyar, his father is sitting in the section below me (west stand).

Half time, should have been a free kick for a clear trip (well time) on Krasic. Krasic was outstripping Berezutskiy for speed (carthorse vs carthorse). Horrible match, doesn't match the atmos and yet it feels like it could take off in the 2nd half. Bad form from Arshavin.

Subs on for both teams, Russians brought on Shishkin for Anyukov. Anyukov was very good and the best of the defenders. Zhirkov improved towards the end of the half but not by much. Rain has stopped and it's a little colder now.

Goal Russia

Okay shot, keeper dropped it in front of Pogrebnyak and 1-0. Came from a decent move, but horrible keeping. Game on, so hopefully the Serbs will stand up to their big brother.

Chants are alternating between - Russia forward/attack and Kosovo is Serbia. When the latter is chanted the entire stadium is singing. I only counted the last 3 times it's been chanted during the match. There's an English journo I met earlier covering the match, first time in Moscow but speaks the lingo. Should be funny old report from him.

Ignashevich on for Zhirkov.

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Originally Posted by Spudulika

Should mention it's been tipping it down all day here so no need to water the pitch. Decent crowd in with both sides chanting "Kosovo is Serbia"

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Go in and shout its recognised by all UN nations to be a seperate country....in a quick catchy chant.

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Originally Posted by Spudulika

Chants are alternating between - Russia forward/attack and Kosovo is Serbia. When the latter is chanted the entire stadium is singing. I only counted the last 3 times it's been chanted during the match. There's an English journo I met earlier covering the match, first time in Moscow but speaks the lingo. Should be funny old report from him.

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Ah i finally got it....

your updates aren't coming as mobile.

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodi...bia)-14839386/

Arshavin head clash

:-) Sorry, it's a pain, I'm on wi-fi and it's a bit patchy (all that concrete). I just keep smiling when they chant about Kosovo, you hear the same thing in Croatian football grounds, except they chant in support of Kosovo. Then they complain about "Albanians" smuggling and causing crime in the domovina! Raining again, but drizzle. Would love to see the odds of a 1-1.

I think Torbinskiy's on, about time. Very good player and should add a bite before the end. Serbia seem clueless at times, Pavlyuchenko is a shadow of the player he was 4 years ago.

Pavlyuchenko just taken off, Shirokov on. Russia looking to hold on. Looked a clear penalty a minute ago, if Quigley got one against Sligo, then surely Serbia deserved one. Ignashevich all over Pantelic (I think) and shoved him as he was about to make the ball.

Russia close to making it 2, Bilyatedinov excellent down the left, laid it to a Berezutskiy who couldn't keep his shot down, in fairness he began his run last night so he must have been tired when he got to the edge of the Serbian peno box. Maybe I'm seeing things, but Russia have less subs than Serbia, didn't hear of injuries earlier today. Nothing on the hand out either.

3 minutes injury time, Russia not really under pressure. Serbia showed their intentions by taking off Tosic and Krasic. Gazprom must have "invested" again.

All over, on this showing Ireland have a serious chance, especially on a bigger pitch like Luzhniki. If we have a full team out I wouldn't be worried about losing, more about nicking a goal early and keeping them back. If Bilyatedinov plays we could have trouble, but there's nothing to fear in Russia and the atmosphere won't be as intimidating in the other stadium. Okay, I'm off to grab a local cider before heading to the best sports bar in the city for the ireland match.

Sounds positive although I try not to read too much into friendlies. Confirms what a lot of us suspected about Russia - we're in with a shout. Win against Slovakia will be crucial in creating momentum and confidence.

That's the key, putting one over the Slovaks. Last time in Dublin Ireland had the most unusual tactics againsst Russia. They let them play and resorted to hoofing the ball. I still wonder whether this came from Trap or the players. Ireland need someone to stand on Arshavin for 90minutes, to run at the 2 centre backs (chips over the top work against them as they're very slow on the turn) and if Kerzhakov plays to man mark him.

Bloody security here are a nightmare, we're all standing waiting to leave but nobody is even sure what exit. Nuts.

Bad stewarding here tonight, not normal and they brought in an outside company to do it (not the Loko guys). Still no sign of movement and it's freezing!

What kind of food do they serve there, in the Russian Stadiums?
Big article last week in the NYT about how Papa Johns and KFC are invading that country. Apptly you can make your whole investment back and start turning massive profit in only 2 years with a Papa Franchise.
They must not have very good pizza there if they love Papa Johns though. Which was the point of my question.
Also Moscow must be expensive as **** if they charge more for a pizza there than here.

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Originally Posted by Spudulika

Decent crowd in with both sides chanting "Kosovo is Serbia"

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No surprise, as it is.

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Originally Posted by mypost

No surprise, as it is.

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explain. I would have thought Serbia is Serbia.

Even when Kosovo was part of Serbia, it was still autonomous. Russia, Serbia's historical ally, is one of the very few countries to refuse to recognise Kosovo's independence.

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Originally Posted by Spudulika

to run at the 2 centre backs (chips over the top work against them as they're very slow on the turn)

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Long a possible starter then against them, made some well timed runs of that nature in the Croatia game I thought. More likely as an impact sub though I suppose if Keane and Doyle are available.

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explain. I would have thought Serbia is Serbia.

Even when Kosovo was part of Serbia, it was still autonomous. Russia, Serbia's historical ally, is one of the very few countries to refuse to recognise Kosovo's independence.

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Most countries that recognise it, do so as punishment for what happened in 1999. Serbia is trying to put it's past behind it, doing what is asked of it by the international community, and is a free, open, welcoming EU-candidate country.

Kosovo has every right to feel aggrieved by what happened then. That however, does not entitle them to declare "independence" when they feel like it to pis off Serbia. Kosovo's declaration of "independence" is declared illegal and their border stamps are unrecognised by Belgrade, as they should be.

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Originally Posted by Spudulika

:-) Sorry, it's a pain, I'm on wi-fi and it's a bit patchy (all that concrete). I just keep smiling when they chant about Kosovo, you hear the same thing in Croatian football grounds, except they chant in support of Kosovo. Then they complain about "Albanians" smuggling and causing crime in the domovina! Raining again, but drizzle. Would love to see the odds of a 1-1.

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Doesn't everyone complain about the albanians?

Ya you were up in the press box.

mypost the rational illogical thinker.

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Originally Posted by SkStu

explain. I would have thought Serbia is Serbia.

Even when Kosovo was part of Serbia, it was still autonomous. Russia, Serbia's historical ally, is one of the very few countries to refuse to recognise Kosovo's independence.

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I'm afraid this is a rather catastrophic over-simplification of the Kosovo recognition issue. "Very few countries", well Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, (in fact most of Latin America bar Peru and Colombia) haven't recognised it. All ex Soviet countries (Russia, all the 'istans, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, even Georgia, the NATO poster-boy of the region) do not recognise. The only ex-USSR countries that do recognise it are the politically supine Batic trio. Even within the EU Spain, Greece and Romania don't recognise it. Within the Islamic world, which the Kosovans have tried court, Iran, Indonesia and Pakistan (3 of the largest countries in terms of population) do not recognise it. On the subject of countries with big populations neither China nor India have recognised Kosovo, nor have 75% of African countries (including the biggest ones - e.g. South Africa, Nigeria).

The ratio a few months ago was something like 60:100 in terms of countries that recognised : didnt recognise it. Much of the NATO club (USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, UK, Scandinavia) may recognise it, but that doesn't mean the majority of countries across the world recognise it.

Edmundo don't worry skstu has an over-simplification regarding a lot of issues.

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Originally Posted by Crosby87

What kind of food do they serve there, in the Russian Stadiums?
Big article last week in the NYT about how Papa Johns and KFC are invading that country. Apptly you can make your whole investment back and start turning massive profit in only 2 years with a Papa Franchise.
They must not have very good pizza there if they love Papa Johns though. Which was the point of my question.
Also Moscow must be expensive as **** if they charge more for a pizza there than here.

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Loko is the best by far of the stadia in the RFPL, though the food is awful. Also no beer and the quality is poor. Luzhniki, on the other hand, is far worse. Best to eat up at Frunzenskaya before the match (McDonalds, MooMoo, Papa Johns etc) and walk the last couple of kms down. Pizza quality varies in Russia, usually not great, not a patch on Croatia, but there are signs of improvement. Too many cheap items used to pad it all out though. KFC is in a while though with a local partner, Rostiks, it does well but they wouldn't be a patch on local cuisine. Russians prefer what they eat at home (slop - sorry, had to say it) or sushi.

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Originally Posted by SkStu

explain. I would have thought Serbia is Serbia.

Even when Kosovo was part of Serbia, it was still autonomous. Russia, Serbia's historical ally, is one of the very few countries to refuse to recognise Kosovo's independence.

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Kosovo wouldn't quite be a state in the purest sense, but what is? It essentially is a gangser state, much like its neighbours after the war. It was established to alienate islamic fundies who are quite active in Bosnia and also to try clean up the criminality, though Kosovars (of all shades) seem to have this odd streak going through them. Where we're in Croatia there is a town that was repopulated with Croats from Kosovo (displaced in fighting there). While I've great time for them and like them, they are different and their mentality is closer to that of Albanian than Serbian - ditto with Kosovar Serbs.

The whole issue isn't simple, it's a major cause for debate in Russia and the blame can largely be laid at Tito's door, and a guy who was "active" with a coke bottle and a stick.

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Originally Posted by mypost

Most countries that recognise it, do so as punishment for what happened in 1999. Serbia is trying to put it's past behind it, doing what is asked of it by the international community, and is a free, open, welcoming EU-candidate country.

Kosovo has every right to feel aggrieved by what happened then. That however, does not entitle them to declare "independence" when they feel like it to pis off Serbia. Kosovo's declaration of "independence" is declared illegal and their border stamps are unrecognised by Belgrade, as they should be.

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Also remember there is a heavy military presence there to protect Serb civilians and Orthodox and Catholic sites, I think even the Croatians are beginning to find it unfunny.

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Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Doesn't everyone complain about the albanians?

Ya you were up in the press box.

mypost the rational illogical thinker.

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No, not quite in the press box, the club office is near so it's handier, indoors and they serve hot drinks. Plus the waitresses are, well, there aren't waitresses for the journos, god alone knows what would happen if there were!

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Originally Posted by Spudulika

No, not quite in the press box, the club office is near so it's handier, indoors and they serve hot drinks. Plus the waitresses are, well, there aren't waitresses for the journos, god alone knows what would happen if there were!

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One things for sure Spud - You wouldnt even notice them, head buried deep in that book of yours.

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Originally Posted by cfdh_edmundo

I'm afraid this is a rather catastrophic over-simplification of the Kosovo recognition issue. "Very few countries", well Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, (in fact most of Latin America bar Peru and Colombia) haven't recognised it. All ex Soviet countries (Russia, all the 'istans, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, even Georgia, the NATO poster-boy of the region) do not recognise. The only ex-USSR countries that do recognise it are the politically supine Batic trio. Even within the EU Spain, Greece and Romania don't recognise it. Within the Islamic world, which the Kosovans have tried court, Iran, Indonesia and Pakistan (3 of the largest countries in terms of population) do not recognise it. On the subject of countries with big populations neither China nor India have recognised Kosovo, nor have 75% of African countries (including the biggest ones - e.g. South Africa, Nigeria).

The ratio a few months ago was something like 60:100 in terms of countries that recognised : didnt recognise it. Much of the NATO club (USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, UK, Scandinavia) may recognise it, but that doesn't mean the majority of countries across the world recognise it.

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Fair enough Edmundo - i bow to your clearly superior knowledge. I was going on what i had read and have been told. I should verify these things independently i suppose. I do have quite an in-depth knowledge of the break-up of Yugoslavia but find it easier to simplify things on message boards as it is a very complicated situation.

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Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Edmundo don't worry skstu has an over-simplification regarding a lot of issues.

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Yeah good one. What is your opinion on the Kosovo independence issue Paul? Unless you have something to contribute you should stay out of it. Not cool.

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Originally Posted by Spudulika

Kosovo wouldn't quite be a state in the purest sense, but what is? It essentially is a gangser state, much like its neighbours after the war. It was established to alienate islamic fundies who are quite active in Bosnia and also to try clean up the criminality, though Kosovars (of all shades) seem to have this odd streak going through them. Where we're in Croatia there is a town that was repopulated with Croats from Kosovo (displaced in fighting there). While I've great time for them and like them, they are different and their mentality is closer to that of Albanian than Serbian - ditto with Kosovar Serbs.

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absolutely. Kosovo was a very unique place even in Yugoslav terms back in pre-break up days. In fact, it was the tensions in Kosovo between the ethnic Albanians and Serbs that led to Milosevic abandoning his communist principles in favour of Serb nationalism. (pardon the over simplifications!!!!) - maybe their "odd streak" is a guilt complex!!

Where in Croatia are you (occasionally) based Spud?