Moscow, Russia (My Sportsbook) - Lokomotiv Moscow coach Yuri Semin agreed to replace Georgi Yartsev on Monday as the head coach of the Russian national team. Semin will lead the team in its quest for a trip to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Yartsev resigned as Russia coach on April 4, after a disappointing start in the World Cup qualifying tournament, which included a 7-1 loss to Portugal.

The 57-year-old Semin signed a contract until the end of the calendar year. By doing so he had to resign from his head coaching post at Lokomotiv, where he had been since 1986. Semin led Lokomotiv to two championships in the last three years, but will now be replaced at the club by former USSR international Vladimir Eshtrekov.

Semin, who also won three Russian Cups with Lokomotiv, was an assistant coach with Russia from 1992-94 and then again from 1996-98.

Through six matches, Russia is in third place behind Portugal and Slovakia in its Group 3 qualifying with 11 points. Semin will make his Russia debut on June 4 against Latvia.