Commonwealth Cup: Spartak and Dynamo win semis

The big rivalry of the 1990s will continue in the Commonwealth Cup final in Moscow on Sunday, as local favourites FC Spartak Moscow will take on FC Dynamo Kyiv after both teams thrashed their semi-final opponents on Friday.

Latvians beaten
In the first semi-final, Dynamo faced Latvians FC Skonto, who beat them 5-0 in the tournament in 2000. The Ukrainians enjoyed a measure of revenge as they ran out 3-0. Skonto defended well in the first half with Andrejs Piedels looking confident in goal and Dynamo were held to a goalless 45 minutes despite dominating.

Lucky for Dynamo
It was Nigerian forward Lucky Idahor who helped Dynamo secure a much-needed victory. Right after half-time, Idahor struck twice in a five-minute spell. Serhiy Serebrennikov added another goal just before the final whistle.

Comfortable winners
Spartak were even more comfortable winners in their clash with Lithuanian champions FBK Kaunas. Only after eight minutes, the Moscow side were ahead through Aleksandr Danishevkiy. On 60 minutes, Russian international Vladimir Beschastnykh lashed on Eduard Tsykhmeistruk`s pass and scored his 19th goal in the Commonwealth Cup since 1991 to break Egor Titov`s record.

Eagerly-awaited final
Beschasnykh went on to score another goal, and Dmity Sychev scored his fifth goal in as many games to cap a 4-0 win for Spartak, who will now host Dynamo in an eagerly-awaited final. Spartak have won six Commonwealth Cups and Dynamo three. Sunday's final will be the tenth Commonwelath Cup final.