Netherland 1-3 Russia

Russia's Andrei Arshavin was the architect as they dumped Netherlands out of Euro 2008 after extra time.
Russia took the lead in normal time when Roman Pavlyuchenko volleyed home, only for Ruud van Nistelrooy to head in an 86th-minute leveller for the Dutch.

But the brilliant Arshavin tormented Netherlands throughout and he crossed for Dmitri Torbinski to prod home.

Arshavin then sealed a semi-final spot in the 116th minute as he ran through and fired low past Edwin van der Sar.

Russia almost had to play with 10 men in extra time after Denis Kolodin was sent off by Lubos Michel in stoppage time, only for the referee to reverse his decision after a chat with one of his assistants.

It was the first European Championship quarter-final that did not have to be decided by penalties after going into extra time and was just reward for another spellbinding performance from the young Russians and their destroyer-in-chief Arshavin.

The 27-year-old, who missed Russia's first two Euro 2008 games through suspension, was in electric form and as Netherlands tired in the extra period, they could not get near him.

It was a triumph too for Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink and his side will now meet either Spain or Italy in Vienna on Thursday in the semi-finals.

From the start Russia settled better than their more-fancied opponents as the Dutch struggled to match the fluidity of their earlier Euro 2008 performances.

Hiddink's men found joy down the flanks, exposing full-backs Gio van Bronckhorst and Khalid Boulahrouz, with one fine cross headed over from eight yards by Pavlyuchenko.

After Van Nistelrooy somehow missed the ball completely three yards out from a free-kick, Russia really began to assert their authority.

The untouchable Arshavin danced past Andre Ooijer inside the Dutch box and curled a right-foot shot goalwards that Van der Sar had to tip away for a corner.

Twice in two minutes, Denis Kolodin hit right-foot piledrivers from 35 yards, the first forcing Van der Sar to tip over and the second flying inches over the bar.

Dutch coach Marco van Basten withdrew the ineffective Dirk Kuyt at the break for Robin van Persie to bolster their attacking threat and almost immediately he screwed a volley wide, before Russia took the lead.

Arshavin cleverly played in Sergei Semak down the left and his cross was expertly dispatched into the net by Pavlyuchenko.

It was the first time the Netherlands had been behind at Euro 2008 and as they began to pour forward in greater numbers, the Russians - matching the counter-attacking brilliance of their opponents from earlier in the tournament - began to pick them off.

A glorious move led to right-back Alexander Anyukov forcing Van der Sar to parry his shot and then Arshavin scampered away down the left and sent in a devilish cross that just evaded Ivan Saenko.

The Netherlands were pressing but were frustrated by a lack of quality, until with four minutes left they somehow hauled themselves level, Van Nistelrooy netting a poacher's classic by heading in Wesley Sneijder's free-kick.

As the clock ticked into injury time, Russia defender Kolodin was given an almighty repreive by referee Michel.

Booked for the second time and then sent off for a foul on Sneijder, one of Michel's assistants told him - perhaps wrongly - the Real Madrid midfielder had not kept the ball in play, so Kolodin was allowed to stay on the pitch.

If Russia were distraught at Van Nistelrooy's late intervention they did not show it as they proceeded to dictate play in extra time.

Pavlyuchenko cannoned a shot against the crossbar and Arshavin weaved his magic way around two more tackles only for substitute Torbinski to shoot at Van der Sar.

They were denied a clear penalty when Yuri Zhirkov was fouled in the box by Johnny Heitinga but soon after Arshavin danced down the left, flighted a tantalising cross over Van der Sar and watched as Torbinski poked in.

Arshavin got the goal his sumptuous display deserved when he wrapped it up four minutes from time, latching on to a throw-in and firing past Van der Sar.



Holland: Van der Sar, Boulahrouz (Heitinga 54), Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Engelaar (Afellay 61), Kuyt (Van Persie 46), Van der Vaart, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy.
Subs Not Used: Timmer, Stekelenburg, De Zeeuw, Robben, Melchiot, Bouma, De Cler, Huntelaar, Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Booked: Boulahrouz, Van Persie, Van der Vaart.

Goals: Van Nistelrooy 86.

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov (Bilyaletdinov 69), Saenko (Torbinsky 81), Arshavin, Pavluchenko (Sychev 115).
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Ivanov, Shirokov, Bystrov.

Booked: Kolodin, Zhirkov, Torbinsky.

Goals: Pavluchenko 56, Torbinsky 112, Arshavin 116.

Att: 42,500.

Ref: Lubos Michel (Slovakia).

Netherland vs Russia Prediction

The high scoring Dutch look to build on their perfect record when they take on Russia in the EURO 2008 Quarter Finals, in Basel. The Netherlands have scored the most goals through their group stages while Russia are the surprise underdogs of the EURO making the Quarters for the first time ever. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have Netherlands as -140 moneyline favs over Russia who are listed as +375 underdogs. Get your Netherlands vs Russia: EURO 2008 Quarter Finals Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com

The Dutch finished on top of Group C standings with a perfect 3W-0D-0L record after trumping Italy 3-0, France 4-1 and Romania 2-0. They have nine goals for and one goal against. Robin Van Persie (2), Wesley Sneijder (2), Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt are the goal scorers for the Dutch. The Dutch have been by far the most dominant team throughout this EURO 2008 Tournament. It’s looking like Coach Marco van Basten will start the same squad that pumled France in the second half. They will study tape from Spains 4-1 drubbing of Russia, “We have to see what the Spanish did against them and take our lessons from that” Coach said. The Dutch have a well rested starting lineup after their attacking talents sat out of their last Group match against Romania, their second squad still killed them. The Dutch will have to watch their defense with the likes of free-running Russians Yuri Zhirkov and Alexander Anyukov prowling around. But if they do get past their defense they’ll have to get by Man United super goalie Edwin Van Der Sar. In this tournament the Dutch have forged a reputation by building hard-working sides where players perform above their ability.

Russia have been the sleeper team that has the attention of every other team in the EURO. They finished second in Group D standings with a 2W-0D-1L record. They had four goals for and four goals against. Roman Pavluchenko (2), Konstatin Zurianov and Andrei Arshavin are the goal scorers for their nation. Their most impressive win was over Sweden, the match that got them in the Quarters. They showed great speed, skill and determination. A big reason for their offensive boost was the return of the skillful midfielder Andrei Arshavin, who returned after having completed a two match ban. The Russians have players that can stand up to the skills of the Dutch. While the Dutch have Ruud van Nistelrooy in attack, Russia can call on the revitalised Roman Pavlyuchenko. Wesley Sneijder will be up against the equally skilful Andrei Arshavin in the middle of the field while on the wing the Dutch have Arjen Robben and Russia will counter with versatile midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov. Russia’s Coach Guus Hiddink stated, “Our players have proved at this tournament they can keep playing this type of football “ he said. “The way we play we get respect, we like to play the way football should be played and I think the Netherlands do the same.”

Head to Head: 1 match played
Netherlands lead 1-0
The Dutch scored four goals
Russia scored one goal

from: http://www.point-spreads.com/

Netherland 2-0 Romania

Timnas Belanda sempurna. Kalimat tersebut layak dinobatkan kepada pasukan Marco van Basten usai menggilas Rumania 2-0 pada laga akhir Grup C di Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne, Rabu (18/6/2008).

Tambahan tiga angka itu memantapkan posisi Der Oranje di puncak klasemen akhir grup dengan sembilan angka, hasil tiga kemenangan. Dua kemenangan Belanda lainnya diraih atas Italia 3-0, dan Prancis 4-1. Artinya, Belanda menyempurnakan kemenangan dalam babak penyisihan grup.

Hasil itu sekaligus memupuskan banyak pihak yang menilai Belanda akan memberikan kemenangan kepada Rumania. Tujuannya agar Italia dan Prancis pulang lebih awal. Namun dua gol Belanda yang disumbangkan striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar dan gelandang Robin van Persie mengubur wacana tersebut.

Berlaga di hadapan ribuan pendukungnya, Belanda memulai laga dengan mengambil kick off. Kendati lebih banyak pemain cadangan, Belanda mampu menunjukkan kerja sama yang diterapkan tim inti.

Bedanya, pasukan kedua Basten belum menemukan kesempatan emas mencetak gol pada babak pertama. Ketika wasit Massimo Busacca (Switzerland) meniupkan peluit panjang babak pertama, kedudukan tetap 0-0

Pada babak kedua, striker Rumania Adrian Mutu melakukan tendangan jarak jauh. Namun upaya itu belum membuahkan hasil. Tendangan kerasnya masih dimentahkan kiper Belanda Maarten Stekelenburg.

Merasa ditekan, Belanda balik menyerang. Gelandang PSV Eindhoven Ibrahim Afellay melakukan akselerasi sebelum memberikan umpan manis kepada Huntelaar. Striker Ajax Amsterdam itu menundukkan kiper Rumania Bogdan Lobont pada menit ke-56.

Gol Huntelaar tersebut membuat barisan belakang Rumania hilang konsentrasi. Akibatnya, Belanda terus melakukan tekanan. Puncaknya terjadi ketika Persie dengan gemilang mengecoh bek Rumania sebelum menaklukan Lobont, tiga menit sebelum laga usai. Persie meneruskan umpan Demy de Zeeuw.

Dengan hasil itu, Belanda menunggu runner-up grup D, yang akan diperebutkan Rusia dan Swedia. Kedua tim akan saling membunuh di Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck, Kamis (19/6/2008) dinihari.

Daftar pemain:
Belanda: 16-Maarten Stekelenburg; 21-Khalid Boulahrouz (12-Mario Melchiot 58), 3-John Heitinga, 14-Wilfred Bouma, 15-Tim de Cler; 8-Orlando Engelaar, 6-Demy de Zeeuw; 20-Ibrahim Afellay, 7-Robin van Persie, 11-Arjen Robben (18-Dirk Kuyt 61); 19-Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (22-Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink 82)
Rumania: 1-Bogdan Lobont; 2-Cosmin Contra, 14-Sorin Ghionea, 4-Gabriel Tamas, 3-Razvan Rat; 16-Banel Nicolita (7-Florentin Petre 82), 11-Razvan Cocis, 5-Cristian Chivu, 8-Paul Codrea (20-Nicolae Dica 72), 10-Adrian Mutu; 18-Marius Niculae (21-Daniel Niculae 60)

from: http://leoxa.com/everythingyouneed/

Netherland 4-1 France

Netherlands reached the last eight of Euro 2008 and topped Group C with a superb win against France, who are now fighting to survive in the tournament.

Dirk Kuyt headed the Dutch in front after only 10 minutes.

Substitute Robin van Persie turned in Arjen Robben's cross on the hour, before Thierry Henry pulled one back from close range with 19 minutes left.

Robben's angled finish seconds later sunk France and Wesley Sneijder added a fourth from 20 yards in injury time.

The Dutch delivered another masterclass in ruthless finishing and the victory was a tactical triumph for coach Marco van Basten, who saw substitutes Van Persie and Robben emerge to play crucial roles in the win.

France, like Italy before them, had opportunities against the Dutch but were exposed by the brilliant counter-attacking style that has become the trademark of Van Basten's side.

Italy's earlier draw with Romania leaves them both battling with France to reach the quarter-finals.

And the so-called "group of death" will climax with a mouth-watering repeat of the 2006 World Cup final when France and Italy meet in Zurich on Tuesday, with survival in the tournament the potential prize.

The first goal was always going to prove crucial in Berne - and it was the Dutch who struck after only 10 minutes.

Rafael van der Vaart's corner evaded Henry at the near post and Kuyt out-muscled Florent Malouda to head past Gregory Coupet.
And Kuyt could have added a second shortly afterwards when Lilian Thuram made a mess of Giovanni van Bronckhorst's long ball, but the Liverpool striker lofted his finish off target.

France took their time to settle, but once they did they posed a genuine threat, with Sydney Govou twice shooting straight at Edwin van der Sar and Franck Ribery also forcing a save from the Manchester United keeper.

Dutch coach Van Basten made a change at half-time, replacing the ineffective Orlando Engelaar with Robben.

But it was France who picked up where they left off, with Henry's cross almost setting up Ribery a minute after the re-start.

France then had penalty appeals waved away when Henry's goal-bound shot struck Andre Ooijer's arm, but German referee Herbert Fandel ignored the claims.

Henry was then involved in the game's pivotal moment after 53 minutes when he was sent clear by Chelsea winger Malouda's over-head kick. Henry at his peak would surely have finished off the move, but only lobbed well over the bar with Van der Sar stranded.

The Netherlands took advantage of the reprieve to add a second with the sort of lightning counter-attack that destroyed Italy in their first group game.

Robben raced down the left flank and crossed for the incoming Van Persie - who was on for Kuyt - to sweep a finish past Coupet, despite the France keeper getting a hand to the ball.

France were thrown a lifeline with 19 minutes left when Henry beat Van der Sar with the faintest of touches from Willy Sagnol's superb cross - but hope was short-lived.

The Dutch swept downfield immediately and Robben, who had delivered a magnificent cameo, took Sneijder's pass and rifled a finish high past Coupet from a tight angle.

Sneijder then almost created a fourth for Ruud van Nistelrooy with a stunning raking pass that the striker met with a looping header that forced Coupet into a scrambled save.

But Sneijder was not to be denied and rounded off the win with a flourish with a glorious 20-yard finish that flew high past Coupet deep into injury time.



Holland: Van der Sar, Boulahrouz, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Engelaar (Robben 46), Kuyt (Van Persie 55), Van der Vaart (Bouma 78), Sneijder, van Nistelrooy.
Subs Not Used: Timmer, Stekelenburg, Heitinga, De Zeeuw, Melchiot, De Cler, Huntelaar, Afellay, Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Booked: Ooijer.

Goals: Kuyt 10, Van Persie 59, Robben 72, Sneijder 90.

France: Coupet, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Evra, Govou (Anelka 75), Toulalan, Makelele, Malouda (Gomis 60), Ribery, Henry.
Subs Not Used: Mandanda, Frey, Boumsong, Abidal, Vieira, Benzema, Nasri, Clerc, Squillaci, Diarra.

Booked: Makelele, Toulalan.

Goals: Henry 71.

Att: 32,000

Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/7363369.stm

"Total Football" Belanda hancurkan Italia

Kemenangan 3-0 yang diraih Belanda atas italia pada laga group c, di Stadion De Suisse, Swiss Selasa dini hari WIB, merupakan hasil terbesar sejak puataran euro 2008 ini dimulai sabtu. Istimewanya lagi Belanda berhasil menumbangkan team juara Piala Dunia 2006 tersebtu dengan angka telak, padahal sejak Piala Dunia 1978 Belanda tidak pernah menang dari Italia.

Mengawali pertandingan, Belanda langsung menggebrak dengan permainan cepat dan lugas. Formasi 4-2-3-1 terbukti efektif menembus pertahanan Italia, sekaligus meredakan gebrakan Luca Toni dan antonio Di Natale.

Sebaliknya Italia seperti terlambat mengantisipasi permainan Belanda. Formasi 4-3-3 yang diterapkan pelatih Roberto Donadoni tidak efektif, karena menggunakan tiga gelandang bertahan, yakni Andrea Pirlo, gattuso, dan Ambrosini. dengan formasi tersebut , lini Italia cenderung bermain sangat hati-hati dan lambat.

Italia dikejutkan oleh gol Ruud van Nistelrooy pada menit ke-26. Tertinggal 0-1, italia mulai meningkatkan serangan, tetapi bukan gol yang diperoleh tetapi malah kecolongan gol ke-2 belanda yang disarangkan Wesley Sneijder.

Belanda semakin berjaya setelah gol dari Van Bronckhorst, memanfaatkan serangan balik yang cepat, sebenarnya Italia memiliki sejumlah peluang emas, salah satunya persis terjadi sebelum gol ke-3 Belanda terjadi yaitu melalui tendangan bebas, namun semua peluang tersebut dapat dimentahkan oleh kiper MU, Edwin Van Der sar yang memang bermain baik malam itu.

"Ini adalah laga terburuk sejak kami kalah 0-3 dari Swedia 12 tahun lalu." sesal kiper Italia, Gianluigi Buffon. Sedang di kubu Belanda, pelatih Belanda Marco Van basten mengaku merasa puas melihat skema "total football" yang dimainkan dengan dengan  sempurna oleh pemain-pemainnya.

Pada laga lain, Perancis bermain imbang tanpa gol melawan Rumania. Pelatih Perancis Raymond domenech mengaku, absennya Thierry Henry dan Patrick Vieira mengurangi daya gedor dan kreatifitas lini tengah. Sedang pelatih Rumania Victor Piturca mengaku kecewa dengan hasil akhir tanpa gol.