Russia beat Sweden today in a very thrilling match with score 2:0. Russian squad was inspired today with their star play maker, Andrei Arshavin's return after two game ban. Russia took the lead in the 24th minute through their striker, Pavlyuchenko. Russia kept on attacking and at the start of second half, Zenit St. Petersburg's wonder boy, Andrei Arshavin make it 2:0 and set the final score.
Russia progress to their first ever knockout stages of a major tournament since the break up of the Soviet Union in 1991, and their meeting with the Dutch will be a repeat to a certain extent of the 1988 final when present Dutch coach Marco van Basten scored in the 2-0 victory over the Soviets.
Hiddink, who took Holland to the 1998 World Cup semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Brazil and then South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals, said that his young bunch - who have the youngest average age of all the sides at Euro - had recorded a famous win over the side with the oldest average age.
"This is a huge win for a side still under construction, with lots of young players and some experienced players," said Hiddink.
"It gives me real pleasure to work with them.
"In the course of the past three weeks these youngsters have learnt a lot."
Swedish coach Lars Lagerback was gracious in defeat.
"I would like to congratulate the Russians, who really play joyful football," said the soon to be 60-year-old veteran handler.
"I think they saw rapidly where they could hurt us and they exploited our weaknesses perfectly."
Russia will face Holland in Euro 2008 quarter finals which should be a wonderful match to spectate where only one of the two Dutch coaches can advance, van Basten (Holland) or Hiddink (Russia).
OFF THE RECORD:
Futbolicious Prediction: Holland Wins 3:1
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