Former defender of CSKA Moscow and the USSR national team, Vladimir Ponomarev, spoke to Socialbites.ca about his enthusiasm for the third round of the group stage in the RPL Road Russian Cup, featuring CSKA and Sochi. He noted that the encounter showcased a promising future for Russian football, highlighting the presence of several teenagers between 17 and 18 years old on both sides. This blend of youth and ambition, he argued, is exactly what the development of the game in the country needs. According to Ponomarev, the squads played a modern, forward-thinking style, with players making well-timed passes, creating openings, and attempting progressive action on the field. He called the performance a valuable milestone for the sport and said the approach reflected a clean, intelligent game plan from both teams.
Ponomarev also commented on the pivotal moment of the match, stating that the goalkeeper’s timely save from a penalty helped secure the victory for CSKA in the ensuing shootout. He described the overall game as enjoyable and satisfying, noting the discipline and poise shown by the players as a sign of growing maturity within the squad. The regular time ended with a 0-0 draw, but CSKA found their edge in the penalties, converting more of their attempts than Sochi.
Following the result, CSKA Moscow, led by head coach Vladimir Fedotov, rose to second place in Group A with five points in the standings. The performance underscored the team’s resilience and tactical flexibility, as well as the contribution of younger players stepping into important roles on a national stage. In related commentary, former CSKA forward Valery Masalitin suggested that Fedotov consider adjusting the game plan to maximize the squad’s strengths and capitalize on emerging talents. The exchange reflects ongoing discussions about how best to balance experience and youth in a competitive cup campaign. [Source: Socialbites.ca]