Russia squash the Oranje men

June 22, 2008

So many times in sport you will see a team run hot in the early stages of a tournament only to crash out when it matters.

It has happened to the Netherlands. They were running hot. They crushed Italy and France in the group stage. In the quarterfinal against the Guus Hiddink coached Russia the Netherlands team went in well rested and ready to play.

Russia had youth on their side and after the teams had ended normal time 1-1 the match was decided in extra time.

Just how much difference it makes having Guus Hiddink as the coach can never be accurately measured however looking at his results over the years you would have to say he does make a difference. Just look at the South Korean team in the 2002 World Cup.

Russia took the lead in the match after Pavlyuchenko scored in the 56th minute. As the match would down and the Russian’s appeared likely to advance it was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s headed goal in the 86th minute that squared things up.

In extra time it was Russia who looked most likely to claim the match. They did so by scoring in the 22nd and 26th minutes of extra time. First it was man of the match Arshavin who crossed for Torbinski to sneak in at the far post to tap home. Arshavin followed this up with a goal of his own from the rightside.

3-1 and Russia was through to the semifinal. They now await the winner of the Italy-Spain match tonight.

Now the true test for Hiddink and his side is to make it to a final. In the past a Hiddink coached team has not advanced to a final.

Written by rob · Filed Under Football 

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