Against the lack of international matches, the Russian Football Union (RFU ) actively engaged in the development of various formats that are designed to fill the resulting vacuum. The reforms of the Cup of Russia were at first perceived with caution and some skepticism, but now, on the eve of the super final, one hears more positive than negative assessments. But the most popular are retromatches, which gather a huge audience in different regions of the country.
It is worth recognizing that the idea of holding such games is far from new, but such events are organized for the first time on such a scale and with such dedication. Beautiful cities and stadiums, eminent veterans, an extensive entertainment program and, most importantly, nostalgia — such matches are simply doomed to success. Therefore, the idea of holding a game dedicated to the 15th anniversary of Zenit's victories in the UEFA Cup and Super Cup, as well as the bronze success of the Russian team at Euro 2008, was greeted by the public with approval and anticipation. But there are some nuances that can leave an imprint on the whole idea.
The RFU approached the organization on a grand scale. As planned, such eminent Zenit legionnaires as Alejandro Dominguez, Nicholas Lomberts, Miguel Danny, Ivica Krizhanac and many others should take part in the game, and Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat were again invited to the coaching bridges of the Russian national team and Zenit. It sounds cool, but some veterans have already reported that, unfortunately, they will not be able to go out on the lawn of the Petrovsky stadium on June 15.
“Yes, I was invited, but I won’t be able to go. I will be on vacation with my family. I have already spoken to Zenit about this, and I am very sad that I will not be able to participate. I am not afraid to go to Russia. I will be in Greece from June 7 to June 18,» Danny told our agency.
- «I won't be able to come to St. , that already this week he planned a vacation after the end of the season. It is impossible to reschedule it. I am not afraid to come to Russia,» Lomberts added.
Križanac simply stated that he would not come, without giving reasons for such a decision. But the list of losses did not end on Ivica either.
Igor Akinfeev will not be able to take part in the retromatch. The goalkeeper spends a busy season and drags the team to victory in the Russian Cup, the final of which will be held on June 11. It is not a fact that an age goalkeeper (37 years old) will sacrifice invaluable days of an already short vacation for the sake of an exhibition match. Although, according to sources, the RFU plans to still persuade the hero of Euro 2008 to take part in the game.
The most important thing is that there is still no answer from the main characters of this event — Hiddink and Lawyer. There is no doubt that they retained their love for Russia, only their considerable age (76 and 75 years, respectively), coupled with the problems of organizing flights, makes the task of bringing Gus and Dick to St. Petersburg almost unsolvable. The same problems with ticketing and visas will haunt all foreigners who are invited to the game, with the possible exception of Fatih Tekke. It is not entirely clear how Dmitry Torbinsky, who has been living in the United States for several years, will be able to organize his flight.
On the positive side, 11 former players of the national team have already confirmed their participation in the retro match. Goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov, defenders Renat Yanbaev and Denis Kolodin, midfielders Roman Shirokov, Yuri Zhirkov, Igor Semshov, Vladimir Bystrov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Evgeny Aldonin, as well as forwards Roman Pavlyuchenko and Pavel Pogrebnyak. Someone else will definitely be added to them, there is hope that foreigners will still be able to get to St. Petersburg.
Let's not forget the positive experience of the Legends Cup, which in difficult times was able to bring such stars as Fernando Meira to the tournament in Moscow, Kevin Kuragna, Angelos Basinas, Eric Abidal, Esteban Cambiasso, Florent Malouda, Diego Lugano and Maicon. There is no doubt that the RFU will do everything possible to organize a full-scale celebration, because the last retro matches were held at a fantastic level. And, of course, to complete the atmosphere, I really want to see Hiddink and Advocaat again.