Old foes renew rivalries in Israel

Anticipation is mounting ahead of the third version of the friendly international First Channel Cup, which once again is set to temporarily breathe new life into the age-old rivalry between Russian and Ukrainian clubs – although representatives from Serbia and hosts Israel will be attempting to spring a surprise when the tournament gets under way later today.

Third event
The event was first staged in 2006 when FC Shakhtar Donetsk prevailed in a four-team event which also featured FC Dynamo Kyiv, FC Spartak Moskva and PFC CSKA Moskva. Twelve months ago Spartak defeated CSKA in the final of an expanded six-team event and both are back again this time round as are Shakhtar and Dynamo, with Serbian champions FK Crvena Zvezda and Israeli title-holders Beitar Jerusalem FC completing the six-team lineup. Organisers originally launched the competition to revive the rivalry between the top teams from Russia and Ukraine and, despite the presence of clubs from elsewhere, that looks set to continue to be the dominant theme.

'Matter of principle'
"It's a matter of principle for Dynamo to beat Spartak," said the president of the Kiev club Igor Surkis, who last month employed Yuri Semin as Dynamo's new coach – himself no stranger to success against Spartak having ended the club's run of six consecutive Russian Premier-Liga titles when guiding FC Lokomotiv Moskva to championship glory in 2002. "Of course we'll play to win it," said the 60-year-old coach. "All six teams have an equal chance and I expect a number of exciting games at the tournament. I don't think Dynamo fans will be disappointed." Dynamo and Spartak will compete with Crvena Zvezda in a round-robin format in one group, with Shakhtar, CSKA and Beitar in the other. The top side in each section will progress to the final in Tel-Aviv on 31 January.

Hefty incentive
With a reported $2m prize fund – half of which goes to the winners – on offer the six teams certainly have a financial incentive to succeed, although the competition also offers the Russian and Ukrainian clubs the opportunity for some much-needed match practice during their lengthy winter breaks. "This is an important competition, it helps us get ourselves ready for the Ukrainian league," admitted Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu. His Spartak counterpart Stanislav Cherchesov is already preparing for next month's UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against Olympique de Marseille. "Our task is to get ready for Marseille and the Russian season, but we will strive for victory in every game," Cherchesov said. "We anticipate some very good matches to give us the work-out we need at such a difficult stage of the close season."