Vyacheslav Koloskov, who serves as the Honorary President of the Russian Football Union, weighed in on the performances of Amkal and the 2DROTS media squads amid their Russian Cup campaigns. The veteran administrator offered measured commentary, noting that it is premature to draw sweeping conclusions from the early rounds. He highlighted that both teams secured victories yesterday and today, yet underscored the context by pointing out the opponent level in those matches. Koloskov specifically mentioned the club Chertanovo, describing it as essentially a sports school whose top graduates have already moved on to higher-profile outfits in the country, such as Samara’s Wings of the Soviets, Moscow’s Spartak, and others. His assessment suggested that sensational takes about the teams’ performances might be overstated given the background of their early opponents .
In the 1/256 final of the Russian Cup, 2DROTS had already clinched a 3-0 win over Chertanovo after claiming the Medialiga title on August 17. The result reflected a solid progression through the knockout stages, reaffirming the team’s momentum and willingness to apply pressure on challengers with a disciplined, high-energy approach. The match was marked by decisive finishing and organized defense, illustrating how the media-founded squad translates its digital persona into tangible on-field outcomes .
Meanwhile, on the prior day, the Amkal blog team faced Krasnogorsk Zorkiy in a clash that finished with a draw in regular time. The tension carried into the post-match penalties, where Amkal prevailed with an 8-7 score in the shootout. The outcome emphasized the intensity and unpredictability of cup ties, where creative play and composure from the spot can tilt the balance even when regulation time ends level. Fans witnessed a narrative of perseverance and nerve from the Amkal squad as they navigated the high-stakes moment with confidence [report: TASS].
Analysts have noted that the Cup performances of Amkal and 2DROTS reflect a broader trend of media-driven teams challenging traditional structures within Russian football. The dialogue surrounding these outfits often centers on how digital content creation, community engagement, and asynchronous training methods contribute to on-field results. Observers argue that the teams’ growing visibility can translate into increased motivation, attracting supporters and potential sponsorships while also testing conventional scouting pathways and league dynamics [analysis: TASS].
Historically, the Cup has served as a proving ground for emerging clubs and unconventional teams to test strategies against more established academies and professional outfits. The current campaign for Amkal and 2DROTS demonstrates how non-traditional contenders leverage storytelling, fan interaction, and timely tactical adjustments to stay competitive across knockout rounds. As the rounds advance, questions arise about sustainability, youth development, and the long-term impact on the domestic football ecosystem, including talent pipelines and regional representation [context: TASS].
Observers conclude that the early trajectory of these media-native squads warrants close monitoring. While the results to date are encouraging, the larger narrative will hinge on consistency across adversaries with varied playing styles and the ability to convert media success into durable football performance. In the weeks ahead, analysts expect more opportunities to gauge how Amkal and 2DROTS adapt to tougher fixtures, while the broader football community considers what these stories mean for the sport’s evolving identity in Russia [commentary: TASS].