Russia Vs Netherlands: Netherlands sent to pack their bags by impressive Hiddink’s men
June 23, 2008
No one could have expected such a turn of events, then what actually happened at the St. Jakob Park. In what was considered to be the easiest of encounters in the knockout stage, David again conquered the Goliath. An inspired Russian side under their Dutch Coach Guus Hiddink tamed Van Basten’s Netherland side 3-1, who were looking all set to take the EURO 2008 Championship home.
The game was completely dominated by the Russians in all departments. From the kickoff only, they were making it difficult for the Dutch side to have a strike on their net. Simultaneously, there were several attempts from their end on their goal.
If it was not for Dutch keeper Edwin Van der Sar, who was playing his last game, Russians would have murdered the Netherland side. He made some miraculous saves in the first & second half and was the busier of the two keepers. He was defending against a resurgent Russian attack, which was targeting him by penetrating the weak Dutch defense.
The 0-0 score line that was carried into the second half broke from an excellent shot in the 56th minute by Roman Pavlyuchenko. It was difficult for the Dutch side, which included the likes of Nistelrooy, Schneider, Van der Waath & Van Persie, to break into a solid Russian defense. However, a Schneider free kick eventually caught the head of Nistelrooy taking the game into extra time.
Extra time saw two sides fighting it out to get one up on one another, yet it seemed that there will be the second penalty shootout in as many days. However, with late strikes from Dmitri Torbinski in the 112th minute and hero of the game against Sweden, Andrei Arshavin (also the Man of the Match of this game) sealed the game for Russia and ended a dream run of the Dutch side in EURO 2008.
Russia will be looking forward to continue the momentum in semifinal, where they will face off against the winner of Spain Vs Italy encounter at Ernst Happel Stadion.
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