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Don't bet against Russia
They may not be one of the favourites for Euro 2008, but discount Russia at your peril.
Guus Hiddink's squad are one of the youngest teams in Austria and Switzerland, but what they lack in experience they more than make up for in pace, technique and determination.
Although Russia were destroyed 4-1 by Spain in their Group D opener they have responded in fine fashion with a 1-0 win over reigning champions Greece and a must-win 2-0 success over Sweden.
Daunting task
They now have the daunting task of taking on Holland in the quarter-finals, but that will not stop Hiddink and co from believing they can eliminate Marco van Basten's troops.
With the likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko, Andrei Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov at Hiddink's disposal, Holland will not have it all their own way when the sides meet on 21st June in Basel.
Hiddink was criticised for including Arshavin in his 23-man squad for the tournament despite the fact the striker would miss the team's first two group games through suspension.
Justified
That decision was fully justified when the Zenit St Petersburg ace added a crucial second in Wednesday's game against Sweden.
Although Russia had to win while a draw would have been enough for Sweden, Hiddink's side went about their business determined it was going to be their night.
Sweden had the names more familiar to Premier League fans in the shape of Freddie Ljungberg, Olof Mellberg, Anders Svensson and Andreas Isaksson, but it was the lesser-known faces who stole the headlines.
The tournament will almost certainly see a changing of the guard for Sweden with veteran players Marcus Allback, Freddie Ljungberg and Henrik Larsson (again) possibly calling time on their international careers.
For Russia, exciting times lie ahead.
Even if they fail to upset Holland in the quarter-finals there is a good chance they will turn heads in 2010 should they qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa.
Comments (2)
Rinchen Norbu (Manchester United fan) says...
In this tournament, apart from the Dutch, it has been the Russians who have played with that panache, passion and excitement. Roman Pavlyuchenko, Andrei Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov have been the notable stand outs according to me. However, even players like Roman Pavlyuchenko, Andrei Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov. In the course of this tournament their defence has improved, but the Dutch will prove to be a much tougher proposition. However, what the other three teams of the Group of "Death" lacked was the quick and fearless brand of football, which the Russians have been showing throughout the tournament. However, Guus Hiddink and his men must realize that they need to take more chances and that¿s where Holland may come up on tops. Russia cannot afford to play defensive game, as defence is not their biggest strength and once they start to play in that manner, the Dutch will punish them severely. We shall see what awaits us. I am really looking forward to this exciting encounter which will promise us truck loads of attacking and free flowing football.
Posted 13:50 19th June 2008
Achohra Oghenekaro (Arsenal fan) says...
Truly this is a revolution for Russian football, plenty of credit to Guus Hiddink. They play a very attractive and flowing game like the Orange gang who of course they will face in the quarter final. All the best to Russian football and many thanks to Mr. Almost Total Football 'Guus'.
Posted 07:57 19th June 2008