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Hiddink full of praise for 'miracle' Russia

22/06/2008

Russian manager Guus Hiddink has paid tribute to his side after their 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in Saturday's Euro 2008 quarter-final.

Russia overcame favourites Holland in extra time thanks to goals from Dmitri Torbinski and Andrei Arshavin.

And Hiddink was full of praise for his players in their efforts to overcome his home nation.

"I don't want to use big words but it is almost a miracle," Hiddink said after the game.

"I'm so proud of these guys. Physically, technically and tactically we outplayed the Dutch and it is a huge achievement for us.

"It's amazing to see how fast they react to the technical concept."

Russia dominated for long periods of the game yesterday and led thanks to a second half goal from Roman Pavlyuchenko. However, a last gasp goal from Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy sent the game into extra time.

"In extra time I told the players to go and look forward for a goal as they were as tired as we are. I also told them to have mental strength and they responded perfectly," Hiddink added.

"We did not talk a lot about it in the preview of the game but we had just two days to recover and prepare after a tough Sweden match."

Dutch coach Marco Van Basten was philosophical about his side's defeat, admitting the Russians played better on the night.

"The Russians played a lot better than we did and deserved their victory," Van Basten said.

"I can live with the indisputable fact that they were better than us.

"We delivered some remarkable performances in the first round, but today we could not repeat those."

Spain take on Italy tonight to see who will play Russia in the semi-final.