Euro 2008: Netherlands 1-3 Russia to the Semi Finals (Full Match Report and Video)

The Netherlands went in to this game expected to win after incredible results in the group stages, including beating both of the 2006 World Cup Finalists (France and Italy) by three goals each time. Russia were expected to be thrashed in this game after coming second in their group, but their final game against Sweden showed that they still may have some thing to offer after playing extremely good football.

Surprisingly, Russia started off the better team, with lots of possession and some good chances, with Kolodin with three shots from way out side the penalty area resulting in good saves and extremely near misses.

Although Russia dominated, the Dutch had good chances, and Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy should have put Holland one up after a brilliant free kick was inches away from his boot, and although Russia had more chances, the Dutch chances were better, and the half time score was 0 – 0.

In the second half it was much the same story, with Russia leading the way and the Dutch having few chances, and it was on the sixty third minute when Roman Pavlyuchenko slotted the ball in to the near post after a brilliant cross. Their lead was canceled out on the eighty sixth minute though, when Van Nistelrooy headed from point blank range after a brilliant free kick from Sneidjer.

In the first period of extra time, Russia continued to dominate, and the Dutch looked more and more desperate, and it was in the second half of extra time when, on the one hundred and twelfth minute, Torbinsky tapped the ball home from less than a foot off the line after a cross looped over Van Der Sar’s head.

Russia confirmed their victory with four minutes remaining, when man of the match Andrei Arshavin’s deflected shot went through the legs of the Dutch keeper.

Overall a fine game, and whoever Russia face next out of Spain or Italy will be worried. Favorites Holland are out of the tournament though, and their fans will be truly disheartened, although the better team won.

Final Score:
Netherlands 1 – 3 Russia

Watch the four GOALS:

Comments June 22nd, 2008

Euro 2008 Breaking News: Netherlands OUT and Russia to Semi Finals

Netherlands OUT of Euro 2008

Russia to the Semi Finals

Full Match Report Later Tonight

Comments June 22nd, 2008

Euro 2008: Russia 2-0 Sweden, Shocking Qualification for Russia (Full Match Report and Video)

After both teams beat Greece and lost to Spain, the pressure was on in this game. Russia needed a win, where as Sweden could get through with a draw. Russia knew that they were under pressure, and Guus Hiddink was especially feeling the heat, as he was offered a four hundred thousand pound bonus if his Russian side got through to the quarter finals.

Russia started the game better, playing fast football and catching the Swedes out. A combination of good saves, hitting the post, missing chances and simply not engineering chances well enough meant that after twenty five minutes the game was still goal less.

But then, a moment of genius from Russia produced the first goal of the game: an excellent run by the winger, who passed the ball in to the area for the under lapping right back, who then played the ball back to Roman Pavlyuchenko who neatly finished the move, playing the ball calmly in to the bottom corner.

Sweden never really looked like scoring, and Henrik Larsson had the closest chance, heading the ball on to the post, although this would have been extremely flattering if it had gone in.

In the second half the story was much the same, and Russia got a quick goal, when a sweeping move was converted in to a goal by Andrei Arshavin, who had a brilliant game.

Russia looked likely to score more, and in the last ten minutes they should have scored at least two goals, and must have had five or six good opportunities, including a couple of headers from point blank range.

Overall a good performance by Russia, who knock Sweden out the tournament, and reach the knock out stage of a major tournament since they were the Soviet Union.

Final Score:
Russia 2 – 0 Sweden

Watch the Russian historic GOALS:

Comments June 19th, 2008