NED – RUS Preview: Dutch Duel

June 21st, 2008 | by: Nick |

Hello to all. I just wanted to write a small blog on this evening’s Netherlands-Russia game.

The most interesting thing about this match is Hiddink facing the Netherlands. Hiddink is plotting how to bring down his countrymen led by Marco Van Basten. I just think theres somthing surreal about this.

Anyway as the press said that the Dutch are the favourites but Russia will put up quite a show to make this no walk in the park for the Dutch. There were speculations about doubts of Arshavin’s fitness but he was in the starting XI and scored a goal. I think that if Russia keep the momentum, organization, and focus from the Sweden game going they could be able to get a favourable result.

I think you can say this a classic match with a yound talented but slightly inexperienced team facing a very experienced and in form team with a 100% record. I also think that the record does not mean as much because Croatia had 100% record heading into the quarterfinals and lost to Turkey who made another incredible comeback.

I am not going to make a prediction but I expect a tight match on all fronts.

This is all I have time to write. I hope everyone enjoys the game and I will be looking forward to your thoughts and comments.

Russia vs Netherlands LiveBlog here

Tags: Arshavin, Hiddink, netherlands, Russia, Team News, Van Basten

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Comments

By julien | June 21st, 2008 at 9:12 am

Should be an interesting match.

Posted from United States

By Nobody You Know | June 21st, 2008 at 10:36 am

Would normally not watch but it is going to be over 100F here. So, I will cool off in front of the TV. I think the Russians might just win this one. Will be exiting to watch.

By CMP (ASR) | June 21st, 2008 at 4:17 pm

Congrats… definitely deserved!

Posted from Denmark

By Benjamin | June 21st, 2008 at 4:56 pm

amazing arshevin!!! you guys deserved it 100%
i hope you go all the way to the finals, congrats

By Gav | June 21st, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Great performance! I had this down as a Russia win (see my blog for proof!) and I am glad to be proved correct. Arshavin is an amazing player.

Nick, I would love you to write 300-500 words for my Fantasy League blog on the Russian team. Please let me know if you can, before the semi-finals.

Cheers.

Posted from United Kingdom

By MikeSolarr | June 21st, 2008 at 5:36 pm

fantastic… We were really better then the Grate Dutch Team…

Guus the Coach, I saw the Arshavin’s interview for the russian channel, after the 3 min from the end…

He said that Guus has won the match…

Posted from Russian Federation

By Mohammad | June 21st, 2008 at 6:27 pm

Congratulation.
I think Guss Hiddink is a God of coach !

By Mark | June 21st, 2008 at 10:18 pm

As a dutch fan the game was really disappointing but Russia thoroughly deserved to win. So congratulation’s and i really hope Russia can go all the way from here.

By JC | June 22nd, 2008 at 6:29 am

Congrats!! please beat Germany in the finals!!

Posted from United Arab Emirates

By bunchapooha | June 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm

Guus kom naar huus!

We need you after the EC & WC.

Posted from Netherlands

By Klaas | June 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm

Congrats from the Dutch. You played better on the day and deserved it.

By Rebecca | June 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 pm

Amazing job the Russians did, this coming from a Spaniard. It was honestly breath taking the way the Russians played. This thursday- Russia vs. Spain. Anything can go down. Good luck!

By relaxin1 | June 22nd, 2008 at 11:46 pm

That was an amazing performance by the russian team. The hole time i was sitting there goin holy s hit i cant believe there this good, the played the game they way it should be played.

Posted from Canada

By MikeSolarr | June 23rd, 2008 at 6:17 am

For your Interest: I’ve read an interview with the Arshavin’s Mama, she said that she has a telephone chat with her Son )) Our guys got a ‘bear blood’ they want to play further and go further to got a title.

The only question here in Russia is whether our Team is able to show such football like with Dutch… Hope they are. Lets wait till thurthday.

Posted from Russian Federation

By Join soccerfanbase.com | June 23rd, 2008 at 8:22 am

Ashavin has been great in this tourney , I hope the team finds it way to the final

soccerfanbase.com

By Karri | June 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

Arshavin has been a revelation! Especially to those who dont see him playing week-in-week-out. And Hopefully Arsenal can snap him up so they can have a proper snap at the title next year.

Posted from United Kingdom

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