Russia upsets Netherlands

Dutch defeated 3-1 in Extra time

The most dominant team of the tournament so far have been defeated in the Quarter finals. Yes the Dutch who destroyed their first round opponents 9-1 went to loss in the extra time to Wild cards Russia.



Dimitry Torbinski and Andrei Arshavin scored within five minutes of each other in the second half of extra time. Roman Pavlyuchenko also scored for Russia, while Ruud van Nistelrooy scored for the Dutch in the 86th.

It was a sweet victory for Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who enhanced his reputation of getting lesser known teams far in tournaments. The Russia coach guided South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semifinals, and he took Australia to the second round of the 2006 World Cup.



Arshavin shot through the legs of Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar for the final goal in the 116th. By then, the Netherlands players were spent.

Van Nistelrooy had temporarily saved the Dutch late in the match, proving no one is more lethal from close range. On a free kick by Rafael van der Vaart, he got away from Sergei Ignashevich and scored with a diving header at the far post.