If Dominguez gives Kazan a cutting edge, midfielder Semak's influence provides their trademark cohesion.

BBC: Russian minnows hit the big time

But for some the mix of Berdyev's cunning and Semak's influence did not add up to title success.

BBC: Russian minnows hit the big time

The second half was 11 minutes old when Arshavin found Sergei Semak whose cross from the right was neatly turned in by Pavlyuchenko.

CNN: Brilliant Russia beat Dutch in extra time

Then Edwards did well to win a goalmouth scramble to get a shot away, only for a deflection and Sergei Semak's acrobatic overhead kick to clear the danger.

BBC: Wales 1-3 Russia

Two goals in two minutes turned the tie, Hulk -- a multi-million signing from Portuguese club Porto -- scoring a brilliant opener from range before Sergei Semak turned home a cross at the back post.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS