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Lokomotiv eliminates Maccabi 1-0
Posted: Thursday March 18, 1999 05:26 PM
Haifa, Israel (AP) -- Lokomotiv Moscow defeated Maccabi Haifa 1-0 (4-0 aggregate) in the European Cup Winners' Cup quarterfinals Thursday, to move past the Israeli side and into the semifinals. Lokomotiv's goal, a 72nd minute penalty by Igor Tchugainov, came after halftime substitute Evgeny Kharlatchev was tripped in the penalty box by Israeli defender Alon Harazi. Tchugainov's right-footed blast from the penalty spot gave Israeli goalkeeper Nir Davidovitch no chance. The goal came against the run of play. For much of the game, the Israelis pushed players forward in attempts to narrow a three-goal deficit from the first leg. But in doing so, left an undermanned defense to counter the Russians' frequent breakaway attacks. Despite holding the majority of possessions, the Israelis were unable to turn chances into goals. As the Russian defense held firm, Moscow's forwards, especially Alexei Smertin, threatened Davidovitch's goal in a number of fast, sweeping attacks. Eight minutes into the second half, Dmitri Boulykine rose above the stretched Israeli defense, only to head against Davidovitch's post. Ten minutes later, Smertin's powerful shot went narrowly wide. Frustration was apparent as the Israelis sought a consolation goal in the dying minutes but the Russian defense survived with a clean net. It was the first time an Israeli team has appeared in the quarterfinals of a European competition.
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