Netherlands vs Russia

Netherlands vs Russia

21/06/2008

The Dutch went in to this game expected to smash Russia out of sight, after they beat both France and Italy by three goals each time to top their group. Russia came second in their group after losing 4 – 0 to Spain and winning their other games.

Much to everyone's surprise, Russia dominated the first half, playing brilliant football, and the Dutch looked fatigued, almost as if they didn't want to be their. Russia should have been at least two goals up at the break, after Kolodin smashed the ball just off target three times. Holland were really struggling with the attacking threat of Russia, and would have been relieved when the half time whistle blew and both teams clean sheets were still intact.

In the second half Russia continued to rule the game, and they got their reward when on the sixty third minute, Russian top scorer for Euro 2008 Roman Pavlyuchenko volleyed the ball home after a superb low cross.

Russia looked like they were going to win the game, but their lead was cancelled out by Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy with just four minutes remaining, after the Russian defenders left him unmarked at the back post to head in a brilliant Sneidjer free kick.

So, for the second time in two days, it was extra time. The first half of extra time was fairly uneventful, although Russia should never have taken the game that far. The Russians had to wait until the second period of extra time, when on the one hundred and twelfth minute, Torbinsky applied the finishing touch from less than a foot away from the goal line after a cross looped over Edwin Van Der Sar's head.

The one goal lead wasn't enough for Russia though, and man of the match Andrei Arshavin got his reward when his deflected shot went through the legs of the Dutch shot stopper, leaving the Netherlands well and truly out.

Overall, Russia deserved the win, and who ever they play in the semi final, either France or Italy, will be worried after the performance they saw tonight.

Final Score:

Netherlands 1 – 3 Russia