They may not be one of the favourites for Euro 2008, but discount Russia at your peril, says James Pearson.
Hiddink's troops could go all the way and surprise everyone
They may not be one of the favourites for Euro 2008, but discount Russia at your peril.
Guus Hiddink's squad are one of the youngest teams in Austria and Switzerland, but what they lack in experience they more than make up for in pace, technique and determination.
Although Russia were destroyed 4-1 by Spain in their Group D opener they have responded in fine fashion with a 1-0 win over reigning champions Greece and a must-win 2-0 success over Sweden.
Daunting task
They now have the daunting task of taking on Holland in the quarter-finals, but that will not stop Hiddink and co from believing they can eliminate Marco van Basten's troops.
With the likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko, Andrei Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov at Hiddink's disposal, Holland will not have it all their own way when the sides meet on 21st June in Basel.
Hiddink was criticised for including Arshavin in his 23-man squad for the tournament despite the fact the striker would miss the team's first two group games through suspension.
Justified
That decision was fully justified when the Zenit St Petersburg ace added a crucial second in Wednesday's game against Sweden.
Although Russia had to win while a draw would have been enough for Sweden, Hiddink's side went about their business determined it was going to be their night.
Sweden had the names more familiar to Premier League fans in the shape of Freddie Ljungberg, Olof Mellberg, Anders Svensson and Andreas Isaksson, but it was the lesser-known faces who stole the headlines.
The tournament will almost certainly see a changing of the guard for Sweden with veteran players Marcus Allback, Freddie Ljungberg and Henrik Larsson (again) possibly calling time on their international careers.
For Russia, exciting times lie ahead.
Even if they fail to upset Holland in the quarter-finals there is a good chance they will turn heads in 2010 should they qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa.
