Source: Xinhua

06-22-2008 09:00

Special Report:   2008 European Championships

BASEL, June 21 (Xinhua) -- 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.

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)

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.

Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko shoots during the quarterfinal against the Netherlands at the Euro 2008 Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on June 21, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

After both teams squandering dozens of opportunities, Roman Pavlyuchenko opened scoring for Russia in the 56th minute as the forward continued his superb form with a third goal in the tournament.

Sergei Semak burst down the left and delivered a neat cross which Pavlyuchenko steered into the near post with Edwin van de Sar well beaten.

While the pretty open game looked sure to end in Dutch's disappointment in 90 minutes, Rudd van Nisterolley came to rescue with four minutes remaining.

The Real Madrid striker headed in an unbelievable free-kick from Wesley Sneijder to send the game into extra time.

But the Russians kept on the pressure and Arshavin held off the challenge from Andre Ooijer before clipping over a wonderful cross from the left which was tapped in by Torbinski, who replaced Ivan Saenko in the 81st minute.

Arshavin then gave another dazzling performance as he turned and shot low into the corner after receiving a throw-in.

His effort took a deflection of Andre Ooijer before going through Edwin van der Sar's legs.

Both teams came out attacking but Hiddink's men seemed to settle down first with Yuri Zhirkov's free kick and forward Roman Pavlyuchenko's header both threatening a goal in opening minutes.

Russia's Den Kolodin tested the nerves of van de Sar by two consecutive spectacular long range drives from about 30 meters away.

The Netherlands missed probably the best chance of the first half in the 29th minute when Rafael van der Vaart's calculated free kick whistled into the box.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy at the far post ready to tap in, the ball instead went past his outstretched foot and straight behind for a goal-kick.