The Netherlands joins Portugal and Croatia as teams that breezed through the first round only to see their hopes dashed in the quarterfinals. In the case of the Dutch, it is a mighty blow to defeat in succession, Italy, France and Romania only to fall to Russia 1-3 in extra time.
From the off Russia never allowed Marco van Basten’s previously imperious side space and attacked with vigour. Roman Pavlyuchenko’s 56th-minute volley seemed to have won the game but with four minutes remaining Ruud van Nistelrooy headed an equaliser. However, Russia dominated the additional half-hour and the tireless Arshavin set up substitute Torbinski to restore the advantage from close range in the 112th minute. The No10 added another himself to set up a semi-final against Spain or Italy in Vienna on Sunday, although Torbinski and Denis Kolodin will miss that match through suspension.
Russia started sharper in the second half, Arshavin nearly scoring with a swerving free-kick and a minute later Semak sent in a cross from the left that Pavlyuchenko gleefully turned in. Russia were allowing the Netherlands little of the ball and attacking at pace, Van der Sar using instinct and one hand to keep out an Aleksandr Anyukov strike. The goalkeeper also saved when Pavlyuchenko was sent through while Torbinski was unfortunate not to turn the ball in soon after. It seemed the Oranje’s campaign was over but with four minutes left Wesley Sneijder curled in a free-kick for Van Nistelrooy to head in and force an extra half-hour.
However Russia were unbowed, Shemskov forcing a diving stop from Van der Sar while Arshavin struck over and Pavlyuchenko’s dipping shot was only kept out by the crossbar. Arshavin then burst through and crossed for Torbinski, only for Van der Sar to again block. The second extra period continued in the same vein, Pavlyuchenko just failing to turn in Arshavin’s cross but finally the breakthrough came when the FC Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker sent over another looping centre for Torbinski to volley in. Four minutes later Arshavin sealed a semi-final place with the goal his play deserved as his shot deflected in off John Heitinga, confirming that the Netherlands would follow fellow group winners Portugal and Croatia home.
Can there now be any doubt that the Russian bear is back with pride after twenty plus years of hibernation?
Russia was the first winner of the UEFA European Championship in 1960 and the runner-up in 1964 when Spain won its only title. Spain plays Italy tomorrow in the last quarterfinal match. The winner will play Russia.
For more on the matches and the tourney, please visit Euro2008.