Russia into last eight of Euro 2008

Russians celebrate on the street


A sexy Russian supporter


A pretty Russian supporter inside the stadium


Supporters waving Russian flags


Russian supporters before the game with the Swedes

Incredible! After so many group matches had finished, I really can't see any stand out teams in Euro 2008. Not anymore, I found it in Russia when they defeated Sweden two days ago. It was totally a deserved victory and dominant display by the Russians. They had really missed Andrei Arshavin for the first two group matches. This guy pulled the string from the midfield and scored one marvelous team goal himself early in the second half.

In the last eight, the Russian football team will take on the mighty Holland. Not an easy task as Holland had shown why they are the hot favorite in this tournament by defeating World Cup champions Italy and runners-up France convincingly in group stage. My friend had asked me which team in my opinion will go into the final before Russia versus Sweden game, I said Russia will go into the final if they can clear the group stage by beating the Swedes. Now, they had done it. So, I still stand firm with my opinion.

Holland coach Marco van Basten was a great player himself during his heyday in the 90's but not yet show his caliber as a great coach. Perhaps, this will be the very tournament he will announce his arrival in the international coaching arena in big time for he will be coaching Ajax after Euro 2008. But comparing coach to coach, Guus Hiddink still has the upper hand with his vast experience with other national teams that he had coached. Interesting point is, Guus Hiddink of Holland nationality will be pitting his wits against his home country. Kinda intriguing prospect.

Let's see how the game against Holland turn out.