I have to say that Spain shook the Russian defence just like they did on June 10. I am not sure the Russian defending held as well as they did against Greece, Sweden, and the Netherlands. I think that the absence of Kolodin was definitely seen. But Iganashevich and V. Berezustki made an effort to close down the Spanish attack. Zhirkov and Anyukov are definitely worth mentioning as they contributed to the defence and the attack. Over the they were able to keep a 0-0 scoreline until half time. However the defence did become leaky in the second.

The midfield and attacking line did not hold up as well. I felt that Spain were able to close down Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko. Bilyaletdinov and Zyrianov did their best to provide assists but the Spanish were fully prepared to deal with the Russian attack. Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko definitely needed to push forward more and get around the Spanish defence. Pavlyuchenko and Saenko had a few chances but could not materialize.

Spain played well on all fronts. The defending and attacking was very good and the game speaks for itself.

Russia can look back at this tournament proudly because reaching the semi-finals in definitely an achievment for many players who took part in their first major tournament.

I wish the best of luck to Spain the final and to Russia in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

This concludes by blogging for EURO 2008 and I look forward to reading your comments.

As you all know Spain and Russia met in the opening game to group D which was a 4-1 result in favour of Spain. It was clear that the major problem that Russia experienced was bad defending in dealing with the counterattacks. Since then we have seen Russia improve by dumping out Greece, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

In terms of defence, I think Hiddink should go with Ignashevich, Anyukov, and the Berezustki twins. Since Zhirkov is acoustomed to playing in the back line, I think he can play in the midfield and drop back when needed to create a solid five man defence. This way he can play a dual role by contributing to the attack and the defence.

The midfield can remain unchanged from the Sweden and Netherlands games with Semshov, Bilyaletdinov, and Semak playing in their usual positions.

Up front I think Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin can provide for a menacing striking partnership which clearly brought down the Swedes and Dutch. Other possibilities include Saenko, Sychev, and Adamov to keep the attack fresh in case Pavlyuchenko gets fatigued.

Overall I think that the Russian team look much better this time, especially with the return of Andrei Arshavin. His return evidently gave the Russian squad a boost in the midfield and attack.

As for Spain, I think they play really and have good chances to reach the final. I think that Villa and Torres will by watched by the Russian defence closely anw will not be given as much space this time. I do have to say that I was impressed in Ruben de la Red’s performance against Greece.

I’ve shared my thoughts prior to the match and I look forward to reading your comments.

Click on the link to follow our live bloging during the match tommorrow.
Russia vs Spain LiveBlog

First of all, the Russian team has experienced tremendous progress and achievment by reaching the last four at a major tournament.

The Russian attack was probably the best of the tournament so far. The midfield did very well to get the ball foraward with through Semshov and Bilyaletdinov. Arshavin was Russia’s talisman who marshalled the attack and goals. Pavlyuchenko did well in the center of the attack. I should also mention Semak provided a perfect pass to Pavlyuchenko for the first goal.

I also have to say that the defense did very well by contributing to the attack. Zhirkov and Anyukov did well in defence to stop the Dutch attack and quickly get the ball forward. Zhirkov and Anyukov also did well on their flanks and Denis Kolodin rifled quite a few shots to keep van der Saar busy. It seemed as though the entire Russian team were involved in the playmaking or goalscoring. But regardless they were able to stop Nistelrooy, Sneijder, and van der Vaart.

I do have to say that the dutch did not look too enthusiastic to play the game. They certianly did not have the speed from the games agianst Italy, France, and Romania. I think that they also suffered from a bit of complacency becuase the some pockets of the Dutch media starting talking about facing Italy or Spain in the semi-finals.

In the end Guus Hiddink did what he has done with Australia and South Korea. He made Russia one of the forces at Euro 2008.

This is all I have to say. Sorry for the lateness and I am looking to read your thoughts and comments.

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

I felt that the Russians played really well in attack especially with Arshavin who played on both flanks to service the strikers. Zhirkov did a very good job as a defender and as an attacking midfielder by assisting Arshavin. Ignashevich and Kolodin did well to cover Ibrahim and Larsson which slowed the Swedish attack down. And last but not least Akinfeev pulled off some fine saves to keep the Russians alive.

To note, I think Sweden did not look inspired enough which led to their bad marking of Arshavin. I think that their midfield gave the ball up too much and did not handle the counter attacks well. I will however praise Andreas Isaksson for saving very dengerous shots.

I am looking forward to your thoughts and comments.

If your a Russia fan, I’m sure you know that Russia does not have a good record at major tournaments in the post-Soviet era. Russia qualifyed for Euro 96, Euro 2004, World Cup 1994, World Cup 2002, and exited in the first round every time.

I think that tomorrow, Russia has a chance to change that. With master tactician Guus Hiddink in charge, I believe that he can engineer a victory over Sweden. It all depends on how the back line holds up agianst a Swedish attack led by Zlatan. I think its time to get Igashevich and the Berezustki twins back in the starting line up. Zhirkov should definately return to the midfield as his accurate crosses will help service the strikers.

Having seen Sweden’s performance in the first two games, I believe that this will be no walk in the park for Russia. I hope Russia take this game with confidence and concentration.

This is all I have to say, I’d like to hear your comments.

First of all I was very impressed with Russia’s performance. It looks like history repeated its self after the 2-1 Russian victory in June 20, 2004. The defensive line was better than the one against Spain but should be prepared for a tough test against Sweden. Makeshift defender Zhirkov played better today. Pavlyuchenko combined well with the midfield to create the best of chances. I felt that the Russians could have really won this game 3-0 or 4-0 given all the shots raining on the Greek goal. But a win was all they needed to keep their hopes alive. I think Russia could go into their last game with confidance.

GO RUSSIA!!!

As for the Greeks, I really do feel sorry as the reigning champion should not have gone out this early. I think the goal scored by Zyrianov was mainly a Greek mistake and Nikopolidis should have stayed on his line. But overall I think the Greeks put up a display. I think Dellas and Karagounis did well in defence and attack respectively.

I wish the best of luck for Greece in their game against Spain as well as their 2010 World Cup qualification campaign.

This is all I have to say. I’m looking forward to your thoughts and comments.

I was very dissapointed in Russia’s defending. Kolodin and Shirokov did not make the necessary runbacks to deal with Villa and Torres. This basically left Anyukov with extra ground to cover which he was unable to do. The Spanish onslaught clearly proved too much for Russia’s back four and Russia were slowly squeezed in to a vice.

I do have to say that Russia did scare Spain a few times in the first half. Pavluchenko and Zyrianov had very dangerous chances. Russia’s attack did fade but there were a few chances which Pavlyuchenko was finally able to convert in the 86th minute. There were a few chances to reduce the defiecit but Russia’s defence was caught out of position in injury time which resulted finalized the score.

There is plenty of room for Russia to improve and will certianly put up a display against Greece who looked too relaxed and lost 0-2 to Sweden.

Overall I think that if Russia stay organized in the back they could still be strong contenders to reach the quarterfinals.

Enjoy tomorrow’s games CZE-POR and SUI-TUR.

First of all, this Russian side is very different from the one that faced Spain on June 12, 2004 at Euro 2004. Hiddink has transformed the sqaud into a very solid defensive side at the back and an attacking force in the front. According to euro2008.com, Hiddink will have a new back line with Kolodin and Shirokov in the center along with Zhirkov and Anyukov on the left and right respectively. I think this is a risky considering that Smertin played in defense at Euro 2004 and had tendancy to advance and leave his inexperienced teammates exposed. However, I think Zhirkov could play well by starting fast counter attacks.

As far as the midfield is concerned, I am not too worried as there are nine out of 23 midfielders at Hiddink’s disposal. According to euro2008.com all of the midfielders have trained well.

I am concered about the front line as the unavailablity of Progrebnyak and Arshavin is crucial. However, Hiddink has chosen midfielders like Bystrov and Saenko that can play as strikers. Also Zyrianov, Bilyaletdinov, and Semak can contribute to the attack with powerfull strikes. Current speculation sugests Hiddink will use the 4-5-1 formation with Pavlyuchenko up front. Pavlyucheko can be subed by Sychev, Saenko, and Adamov to keep the attack fresh. But I think the midfielders will have an attacking role to support the striker.

But being a Russian fan, I trust Guus Hiddink even though may sometimes disagree with his tactical decisions.

I will not make a prediction because I think this game will be tough for both sides and all I can conclude is it will not be as easy for Spain as it was on June 12, 2004.

Enjoy the game. I look forward to comments and reactions following the game.

First of all I thought this was a pretty decent performace for Russia especially for Pavlyuchenko and Sychev. Both strikers are critical to be in form as Pogrebnyak is doubt for Russia. I was happy to see the new players play such as Renat Yanbaev and Roman Adamov. Russia did however go behind in the first half and turned it around in the second half with goals from Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko, Zyrianov, and Bystrov. I do have to point out that Russia’s defense looked a bit leaky as Lithuania had several dangerous oppurtunities. Mistakes from Ignashevich and Yanbaev could have proven costly.

Overall however I think Russia did well and will certainly be a force against Spain on Tuesday.

Here are clips of the game.
RUS 4-1 LTU