Russian players celebrate their victory over the Netherlands in the quarterfinal of the Euro 2008 Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on June 21, 2008. Russia won 3-1 and was qualified for the semifinal. (Xinhua Photo)
Substitute Dmitri Torbinski and Andrei Arshavin scored late in extra time to give Russia a deserved 3-1 win over the Netherlands and a semifinal berth at the 2008 European Championships on Saturday.
With two sides tying 1-1 after 90 minutes, Torbinski touched in a Arshavin pass 22 minutes into extra time and the talisman added a fourth himself four minutes later to leave Marco Van Basten’s Oranje weeping.
Guss Hiddink had made history by guiding the Russians to their first major tournament appearance in the knockout stages since competing solely as Russia in 1991 and now his men went even further into the last four.
“It’s a tremendous and unbelievable achievement of the team,” said the 61-year-old, who successfully masterminded the downfall of his native Netherlands.
“Our first goal was to reach quarterfinals, being outsiders. And then we are in the semifinals. I’m very proud of all, all players.”
Although Hiddink said his players played well both technically and physically, he believed it was the “mental power” that led to goals in extra time.
Holland, high-flying in group stage with one hundred percent record including stylish wins over Italy and France, lacked the sparks with which they had earned the fans heart from around the world while Russians showed more determination and penetration in a pretty much open game.
Van Basten, who went to Russians’ locker room congratulating their success, admitted that Russians were the better squad tonight but considered physical problem as the main cause leading to the Netherlands’ under-par performance.
“We had physical problem in the extra time,” said the former Ajax and Ac Milan striker, who will leave Dutch national team after the tournament.
“We had one week before the quarterfinal. Normally we would be more in shape but we didn’t see it tonight. It’s a pity.
“I have to say Russians were simply better than we were,” he added.