Hiddink hoped for Italy test

Russia boss disappointed to be facing Spain in semi-finals

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 23rd June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hiddink hoped for Italy test

Hiddink: Can Russia go all the way?

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Guus Hiddink has admitted that he would have preferred to face Italy in the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

The veteran Dutch coach has led his unfancied Russian side into the last four of the European Championship, a major achievement for a team widely tipped to fall at the first hurdle.

They will now face Spain in Vienna on Thursday, the toughest test yet of their title-winning credentials.

The Spanish have looked impressive throughout their campaign and saw off world champions Italy in a penalty shootout during their quarter-final encounter.

Hiddink revealed that he had been hoping for an Italian success in that game as Roberto Donadoni's side are easier to prepare for.

Tactically

"I watched (the Spain-Italy game) and you think, I'd really like the Italians because tactically you can work against them," he said.

"It is a team where lots of people stay in one place behind the ball, but that leaves space elsewhere where you can play.

"It didn't happen, that's a shame. Spain is a similar team to Russia, they want to play football. But if they go 1-0 up, as we've seen, they drop back and play on the counter-attack."

Russian success could hang on the performance of inspirational playmaker Andrei Arshavin, who has been a revelation since returning from suspension for his country's must-win final group game against Sweden.

Surprise

The Zenit St Petersburg star has galvanised those around him, helping to bring the best out of side that had previously been seen as rank-outsiders for the title.

The dazzling performances of the diminutive forward may have surprised many, but Hiddink insists that he always knew that Arshavin had the ability to leave his mark on the tournament.

"We knew this player. We had him in the qualification," he said.

"He was part of that and he did the same now.

"It's not a surprise for me."

Risks

The only concern for Hiddink heading into the showdown with the Spanish is a slight knock to striker Ivan Saenko, although the experienced coach will give the Nurnberg man as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the game.

"He has a foot problem and we are not taking any risks and are looking after him at the hotel," said Hiddink.

"We have a few days before the match and will make a decision on Thursday."