Malafeev marvels at Russian rule
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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Vyacheslav Malafeev hailed the emergence of Russia as a force in Europe after FC Zenit St. Petersburg claimed the UEFA Cup, following in PFC CSKA Moskva's footsteps.
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On the rise
"It is obviously very good for Russian football because Russian teams haven't had much success in European competitions," the 29-year-old told uefa.com. "I hope this is not the last time and that next season a Russian club will again do well in the UEFA Cup."
Celebrations
If Malafeev had a relatively quiet evening at the City of Manchester Stadium, he sprang to his side's rescue more than once, notably denying Jean-Claude Darcheville with his legs early in the second half. By full time the Russian international had stretched his record to just one goal conceded in 317 minutes of UEFA Cup action – though personal achievements were far from his thoughts. "My feeling is I am very happy and very glad that our team was able to win this final," said the man who has spent his whole career at Zenit. "I hope we will celebrate for two or three days in St Petersburg."
Advocaat praise
Then a word for the coach. "Dick Advocaat is a great coach because we have become champions in Russia, we have won the Super Cup in Russia and now we have won the UEFA Cup," the No16 continued. "He is fantastic." That league title has given Zenit a UEFA Champions League campaign to look forward to in the autumn. Malafeev said: "It will be a good experience for our team. We haven't tasted it before and I hope we'll get out of the group and try to win as many games as possible in the tournament." The tactic certainly bore dividends in the UEFA Cup.