Hiddink plays down Russia chance

Dutch coach of the Russia Football team, Guus Hiddink, has played down Russia’s chances of beating the Dutch in the Euro 2008 quarter-final to be played on Saturday 21st June. Hiddink is no stranger to success managing to lead some traditionally-poor nations and clubs to success in the past. He has achieved this with Russia, managing to recover well from a 4-1 thumping by Spain in the first matchday, to qualify as runners-up from Group D. However, Hiddink acknowledges that it will be extremely difficult to beat his home nation’s football team, led by Marco van Basten, as Holland have won all three outings in a tight Group C.

The Dutch star players had a rest in the third matchday, as they had already qualified, but the Russian did not have the opportunity to do this, as they were desperate for a win over Sweden to qualify. Hiddink is asking for respect to the Russian side, but believes his side will have a big difficulty to beat the Dutch side which is made up of world-class talent.

“It’s hard to say whether we can beat Holland. They played against Romania [in their final group game] with their B team and showed good football. Holland’s football is very good. They have also had an extra day to relax. We haven’t and their senior players were rested against Romania.”

“What Russia doesn’t have is 22 players who can replace each other. It’ll be hard but we look forward to playing them. The way we play, we get respect, and Holland do the same. I don’t know if they have fear but they have the advantage of four days’ rest.” – Russia Headcoach Guus Hiddink