Lokomotiv Win 2015 Lokoball-Russian Railways!
Today, on the Railway Worker’s Day, the final match of 2015 Lokoball-Russian Railways international football festival has taken place. The decisive duel brought together the current title holders PAOK from Greece and the Lokomotiv U-11s. Each team has come a long way to get into the finals.
The game was intense. PAOK had claimed the title twice, and were considered as favourites. Things were a bit harder for Lokomotiv, but the Railwaymen had one critical advantage, noted by many experts: excellent teamwork and good morale.
The full-time 1:1 draw led to a penalty shoot-out, in which the the Railwaymen proved stronger, adding one more victory to the club’s record.
President of the Children Football League Viktor Gorlov shares his impressions from the match:
“Before the game I had a chat with Lokomotiv coach Alexander Kharitonov and he said to me: “The Greeks have brought a strong team. Besides, they have three footballers, whose individual skills can be crucial in the coming clash. But we know it, and will try to block them.” And so it happened. During the first half the Greeks could do nothing. Lokomotiv players were united, demonstrating reliable play and high spirits. As the shoot-out came, we had the jitters. The Greek number one is amazing. When you watch him from the stands, it seems he is everywhere between the posts. When the Greeks took the lead, I had a fleeting feeling it was all over. Fortunately, the feeling was false.
Lokomotiv showed character and won a very close game. Tournament has got the anticipated change of champion, and we are very glad it is the Russian team. I would like to note the refereeing. FIFA full international referee Aleksey Yeskov had worked in the Final at the Universiade in Kazan and they awarded him ten points. I was sitting next to the Greek Embassy first secretary - he could not believe when I told him who was the referee in this children’s competition! Parents, coaches and young players are unanimous about it: “The best tournament we have played!” And I believe them. I am not boasting, because those were their words, not mine.”
In half-time of the RFPL match between Lokomotiv and Dynamo the young champs appeared on Cherkizovo’s main arena for a gift-giving ceremony. The cup, medals and presents were handed to them by the Russian Railways first vice-president Vadim Morozov, executive director of RFSO club Ilya Vdovin, and Children Football League president Viktor Gorlov.
Vadim Morozov pointed out that competitions of this kind were essential for the development of the Russian football:
“Today we have had the pleasure of watching a real football festival culmination, thanks to dozens of children teams that made it happen. Tournaments like this can give us a lot of joy, but also talented players, whose potential is unveiled in every new game. I have no doubt that very soon we will see many of the names in leading top-clubs and national teams. The fact that Lokomotiv have won the champion’s title on the very Railway Worker’s day is especially pleasant. Congratulations!”
