- Yuri Kovtun
Football player infobox| playername= Yuri Kovtun
fullname = Юрий Михайлович Ковтун
nickname = -
dateofbirth = Birth date and age|1970|1|5|df=y
cityofbirth =Azov
countryofbirth =USSR
height = height|m=1.90
currentclub = Alania
position = Defender
youthyears = ? –1988
youthclubs =Luzh Azov
years = 19881989-19901991–19931993-19981999–20052006-
clubs =Luch Azov SKA Rostov-na-Donu Rostselmash Dynamo MoscowSpartak MoscowAlania
caps(goals) = 36 (1)6164 (1)156 (5)199 (7) - (-)
nationalyears = 1994–2003
nationalteam = Russia
nationalcaps(goals) = 50 (2)
pcupdate = 4 Feb 06
ntupdate = 4 Feb 06Yuri Kovtun ( _ru. Юрий Михайлович Ковтун) (born
Jan 5 ,1970 inAzov ) is aRussia nfootball defender , well-known as 90'sRussia national football team player, as well as Dynamo Moscow and Spartak Moscow stopper. Currently plays forFC Alania Vladikavkaz .Playing career
Kovtun's career started in minor Russian club Luch Azov in 1988. Then he proceed his career as professional player in
SKA Rostov-na-Donu andRostselmash . In 1992,Rostselmash and Kovtun starred in firstRussia n championship where they unexpectedly promoted to 8th place. Kovtun was impressive during the season so two top teams were interested in him at the same time, it's Dynamo and Spartak Moscow. In 1993, Kovtun chose Dynamo Moscow and was their key player for years, until his move to Spartak in 1999.While the only Kovtun's honour during 6 years in Dynamo was
Russian Cup in 1995, he could get 3 titles in 1999, 2000 and 2001 after joining Spartak. Moreover, he took part in numerousUEFA Champions League games and found himself regularRussian national football team player.International career
Kovtun played for Russian international team 50 times, scoring 2 goals. Most impressive moments of his international career was unbelievable long shot goal to Yugoslavia during WC-2002 qualifier and own goal in Iceland away game during Euro-2000 qualifying. He was a part of Russian squad in the
Euro 96 andWorld Cup 2002 finals. Kovtun was sent off in Euro 96 for a lunge at Germany'sDieter Eilts .Strong and weak sides
Kovtun's strong points as defender always was great tackling, tight marking of opponents and good heading skills. The main weakness of his skills at all times was low pace and acceleration. Another drawback from the lack of speed was that he often had to play too dirty so he could easily gain yellow card or even being sent off (he holds Russian record for amount of bookings).
Current activity
During 2005, Spartak's veteran couldn't gain first team place and most of the season played for reserves. In January 2006 he left Spartak Moscow for just relegated into
Russian First Division Alania Vladikavkaz .Honours
* 1999 2000 2001
Russian Premier League
* 1995 2003Russian Cup
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.