64 years ago: FC Dynamo Moscow thrills the United Kingdom

International club competitions and teams touring far away continents have become - thanks to seamless air transportation around the globe - a common feature in today's game. This was not the case some 60 years ago. At that time, just after World War II, touring teams from distant countries were an unusual feature of football competition and garnered much attention. Some of those tours and matches have gone down in history and are vividly remembered by all those who attended.

In 1945, FC Dynamo Moscow took one such tour to the United Kingdom. Coached by their legendary manager, Mikhail Yakushin, who led them to multiple domestic league honours in 1945, 1949, 1954, 1955, 1957 and 1959, FC Dynamo were the first Soviet team to tour the West. In this goodwill tour the team left an indelible impression on all fans thanks to their unforgettable performances on the pitch. On 13 November they started off with a 3-3 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They then went on to beat Cardiff City and Arsenal (with Stanley Matthews reinforcing the Gunners on that occasion) 10-0 and 4-3 respectively.

Their only defeat on this tour came at the hands of Glasgow Rangers (2-3). It was, incidentally, the club they were to meet 27 years later in their finest international match, when they contested the final of the 1972 UEFA Cup in Barcelona, only to lose again 2-3. They later went on to win the Russian national championship in 1976.

FC Dynamo Moscow is also remembered for their iconic goalkeeper Lev Yashin, who was instrumental to their success in the 1950s. Lev Yashin's exploits are still remembered today on the international stage through an award given by FIFA to the Best Goalkeeper of the FIFA World Cup. Because of Lev Yashin's contributions to the team and its storied history, FC Dynamo continues to be one of Russia's best-known clubs.

For more information:

Russian Football Union Media Office
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Russia Bid Committee for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup
Andreas Herren, International Media Coordinator
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E-mail: media@russia2018-2022.com