Semin steps up for Russia

World Cup aim
Semin, who guided Lokomotiv to the 2004 title for their second championship in three years, takes over with the aim of getting the national team to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It means the 57-year-old will be unable to lead Lokomotiv into the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League, having steered them to the second group stage in 2002/03 and the Round of 16 in 2003/04.

Lokomotiv legend
He had been Lokomotiv coach since 1986 - with the exception of a year spent as consultant to the New Zealand national squad in 1991 - but combined that role with two spells as Russia's assistant coach from 1992-94 and again from 1996-98. His tenure also brought three Russian Cups to the capital club.

Yartsev departure
Yartsev stood down on 4 April. He had taken the helm on a temporary basis in 2003 but was rewarded with a two-year contract in January 2004 after guiding Russia to UEFA EURO 2004™. He left with Russia three points off the top two places in World Cup qualifying Group 3.

Successor announced
Semin will be replaced by the 57-year-old former USSR international Vladimir Eshtrekov, his assistant since 1992, at Lokomotiv, who have made a solid start to the 2005 Premier-Liga campaign. Of their opening five matches, the champions have won two and drawn three.