«Mindset? Like for a Cup final!»

Actually, Lokomotiv will have two games for the SuperCup in St Petersburg. In the first one, our team will play against Zenit on July 12, while in the second one Lokomotiv fan Yelizaveta Belyaeva from Moscow will represent her favourite club in the Miss RFPL-2015 contest that will take place in Russia’s northern capital between 17 and 20 of July.

We don’t doubt that the contest under the aegis of the Russian Football Premier League helps preserve and evaluate the beauty in the Russian football. All these charming girls who are taking part come to the stadiums regularly to support their teams. In St Petersburg they will show their erudition, sense of humour, and each of them will represent her favourite club.

FC Lokomotiv Press Service brings you the interview with our wonderful fan. Anna Galay has spoken with Yelizaveta Belyaeva about football, love towards Lokomotiv, and some girly stuff...  Private life was left out.

ABOUT FOOTBALL

- Liza, if not football, then what?

- You can’t choose between football and something else. Football is irreplaceable.

- What excites you in football?

- First of all, its atmosphere.

- What can make you angry?

- Some decisions of the referee. And unfair result.

- Do you know how to do the offside trap?

- The main condition is to have the trueborn defenders, who possess wile and mother wit and would run further from their goal. An offside trap can be taught, it is an exercise in timing and cunning. But I like attack-mindedness most! When players run forward and not dodge behind.

- Why did people invent football?

- A person always wanted bread and circuses. Football is just the right thing - bread for one, show for another.

- Why do players often take off their T-shirts to celebrate a goal? It’s punished with a booking!

- Probably they can’t resist a desire to demonstrate their beauty to the public. They do weightlifting in gyms for that reason.

- Imagine: big bosses come to you for an advice how to save football?

- To love it sincerely, like in childhood.

- Can women’s football be as thrilling as men’s?

- Women are created for something different. Our mission is to decorate this world and not to kick each other on the legs.

ABOUT FIRST GAME

- I have been supporting Lokomotiv since 2002. I first came to the stadium in 2004. I was 11, Lokomotiv were hosting Amkar. I remember how hard it was to persuade my dad to go to the stadium: it was his day-off and he wanted to idle instead of spending an hour to get to the stadium, watch the game and then go back. But eventually he agreed. We saw no goals, it was 0:0. But I saw Sergey Ovchinnikov saving a penalty. The whole game was like five minutes for me. I didn't know where to focus my attention: the ball, the players, the stands… Emotions were unspeakable. I realized this was just my place.

- What other games did you remember?

- In that same season of 2004 there was a title game in Yaroslavl. I watched the game at home with my dad. I remember us sitting in front of the TV, supporting the team, both very anxious. Then comes the final whistle, we’re the champions. We shout, hug and watch Sychyov running all across the field, the team is given the cup. And here rings the doorbell. I open the door and see a courier who brought me a present my dad had ordered - a football kit! I still keep it!

- Would you prefer travelling by train or by plane?

- By train, of course. We’re the Railwaymen.

- Have you ever traveled to away games?

- A couple of times, yes. To the places not far from Moscow, like, Tula… I would like to travel more but my dad is very strict, he doesn’t allow me to go far.

ABOUT LOKOMOTIV

- If you would have an opportunity to talk to a famous player who would you choose?

- Sergey Ovchinnikov. My favourite player. In many respects, it’s due to him that I started supporting Lokomotiv. In the current squad I’d talk to Guilherme. I think he’s a very interesting person.

- Who is the most charismatic player at the today’s Lokomotiv?

- I think it’s Vedran Corluka. First, he’s Mr Smoothie. Second, he’s got a wonderful dog who makes Vedran even sweeter.

- How can one tell the Miranchuk brothers one from the other?

- You should ask their relatives and friends. I can’t. The most important thing is that they appeared on the field and scored. Whether it would be Alexey or Anton who would score a winner is not that important.

ABOUT SELF

- We know you have graduated from a university this year. Congratulations! Would you tell us more about it?

- Yes, this year I have graduated from the State University of Management  with a major in Organizational Management. During my last year I also minored in Accounting, Analysis, Audit, and Taxation.

- Wow, you’re ambitious.

- I like to study. After the contest I’m going to become a post-graduate. In a word, I collect diplomas.

- Have you ever had a desire to work in a profession related to football?

- Of course I have! For me it would be ideal - to apply my knowledge in the most attractive area for me. I will try to look for the options to make my dreams come true.

- Do you like cooking? What’s your signature dish?

- I can bake something tasty - an apple pie, or a tart, or pancakes.

- Is there someone who acts as a referee for you?

- I am my own referee. I can book myself. For example, sometimes I can lose temper and offend someone unintentionally. But never enough for a red card.

ABOUT MEN

- What can’t you stand in men?

- Rudeness. It also applies to football.

- Many young female fans dream of marrying a footballer…

- It’s just a profession. For me a person’s occupation is not the main criteria.

- If you’ll get dated when a football game is on, what would you prefer?

- Get dated at a football game. Plus I’ll have an opportunity to check the guy.

- Would you dine with a Zenit or a Spartak player if he dates you?

- Thanks, I’ll get my own dinner.

ABOUT  MISS RFPL-2015 CONTEST

- What are your expectations from the contest?

- Of course, my goal is to win but the new experience is most important. I like everything new, I like testing myself especially in the really interesting sphere. So I’m looking forward to the contest and hope to get great emotions.

- Mindset?

- Like Lokomotiv had for the Russian Cup Final!