2 corners and a free kick and Pavluchenko headering one close just over the bar. Russia certainly came out firing in the first 10 minutes. Van Nistelroy missed a sitter just inside 30 minutes from a free kick. The ball glanced straight accross the box with an open goal but Van Nistelroy just couldnt get a foot on it.
Kolid had 2 amazing shots a few minutes later forcing Van Der Sar in to to worthy saves. Both shots were worthy of a goal but the game still stands 0-0 at half time. The second half kicks off much the same with Russia applying all the pressure. 10 minutes in and Semak breaks down the left side and puts a clean ball in for Pavluchenko to sweetly guide it home. To be fair to Russia they deserve it. They’ve had the best of it. They are out working, out playing and out manouvering Holland all over the pitch.
With 15 minutes left Pavluchenko almost makes it 2-0. But Edwin Van Der Sar who has easily been Holland best man stands talls and doesnt give Pavluchenko the chance to lob him. Great piece of goal keeping keeps Holland in the match.
5 Minutes to go and HOlland’s hopes were re-juvenated as Ruun Van Nistelroy comes in on the back post to header home a free kick from Sneijder. A superb piece of set piece to see Holland equalise. Russia always seem a bit open on set pieces and have been all tournament.
Full time finishes 1-1 and extra tim is imminent. Pavluchenko hits the cross bar in 6th minute of extra time. Although i think Edwin would of had a hand to it. Torbinsky comes close 3 minutes later as Russia again piled on the pressure. How Russia have attacked and played tonight they should be 4-1 up and the game all over except for Edwin Van Der Sar’s goal keeping.
The second half of extra time and Zhirkov goes down in Holland penalty box only for the referee to stand firm and wave it away. I think it was the right decision. would of been a harsh way to lose the game.
22 minutes in and Russia again break the deadlock with a fantastic run down Hollands left flank. and an amazing floating ball over Van Der Sars head which just basically hits Torbinsky on the head to put Russia 2-1 up.. Im not convinced Torbinsky knew too much about it but the cross over was beyond perfect which made it an easy finish.
Again Russia attack and Ashavin seals the deal with 3 minutes to go from a throw in a 20 yrd dash and slips it between the legs of Edwin Van Der Sar. Not a great way for Edwin to finish his international career. But a fantastic goal again from Russia and well deserved. Russia where just on fire all night and didnt give Holland a chance. They out worked them in every part of the field and had more that 10 decent goal scoring chances and the final score should of been more like 6-1.
It was an amazing performance from Russia and one that will be talked about for a long time to come.. Im sure if Italy and Spain where watching the match they will be wondering how they will beat them whoever wins.. Are russia this years Greece ?. Can they go all the way ? It certainly looks like it from tonight performance..
Final Score: Russia 3 Holland 1
Verdict: Russia where in amazing form and far too fit, fast and accurate for Holland to handle. A brilliant display of attacking fast paced football.
