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We preview the Russian Cup as adverse weather conditions delay the start of the event until Tuesday
Monday was the scheduled day for the FONBET Russian Cup to get underway in Sochi. However, serious weather conditions have granted the freshly landed teams an extra day to prepare and analyse their opponents.
Tuesday the 18th will be the new kick off date, assuming that the weather subsides in time and it is worth taking time to look ahead at the action we can expect from one of Europe’s top club competitions.
Following a draw over the weekend, the 16 teams have been split into four groups of four.
This is how the groups stand:
GROUP A: Lex (St. Petersburg), Ataman (Rostov-on-Don), Kristall (St. Petersburg), City (Leningrad Region)
GROUP B: Argo (Saratov), Delta, (Saratov), Rosich (Moscow), Adler (Sochi)
GROUP C: Elmont (Moscow Region), Lukoil (Kaliningrad), Grintim (Samara), Stars of Dynamo (Kurgan Region)
GROUP D: Krylia Sovetov (Samara), Lokomotiv Moscow, Spartak Moscow, Mettranstorg (Rostov-on-Don)
There are some big names on the list and many people have their favourites to win (or retain) the FONBET Cup. Beach Soccer Russia appear to be backing the Euro Winners Cup finalists, Kristall, and claim that “it is impossible to imagine that the current champions of Russia and 2017 Cup holders will stumble in the group stage.”
We also have several local derbies to look forward to before we even make it out of the group stages, as Argo will meet their Saratov rivals Delta in Group B, whilst two giants from the Russian capital, Spartak Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow, will do battle in Group D.
In the same group, Krylia Sovetov, coached by Brazilian Gilberto da Costa, are a young and energetic team, who could provide a surprise for the competition favourites.
Local Sochi side, Adler, will also be looking to impress at their host event, and BS Russia have tipped them at having a 20% chance of making it through to the knockout stages.
Who are you backing for the crown?
We will be providing daily updates on the Russian Cup action here on the Beach Soccer Worldwide website, but you can also keep up to date at bsrussia.com.
