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Russia take Hiddink's stock yet higher
By Norman Hubbard
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Guus Hiddink: The successful nomad. (Empics)
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Guus Hiddink is giving treachery a good name. It has rarely
been as joyous, as invigorating and as entertaining.
The Dutchman, having stated his ambition to be 'the traitor of the year'
in Holland, eliminated his homeland from Euro 2008. It is an achievement
that, besides marking Russia's entry into the ranks of the European superpowers,
should cement Hiddink's status as the leading manager in the international
game now.
No one else boasts such a consistent record of overachievement. No one
else, too, has flourished with such wildly different teams in such diverse
nations. International football has known nomads before, men such as Bora
Milutinovic and Philippe Troussier, but none have accomplished as much
as Hiddink.
In three continents, with four countries, he has reached the knockout
stages of all five major competitions he has entered. In securing Russia
a semi-final berth at Euro 2008, Hiddink has repeated a feat he performed
with South Korea and Australia: taking a nation further than they have
ever been before. The Soviet Union may have been European Championship
finalists two decades ago, but Russia's record was miserable. Until now,
that is.
In the process, he has made a wider audience wonder why they had not previously
appreciated the qualities of his countries. South Korea's brand of high-octane,
high-energy football made them irresistible in 2002, yet this is a country
that - the Hiddink era apart - has only won one World Cup match. Australia's
blend of competitiveness and physicality marked them out as one of the
strongest and most resilient sides in Germany, yet they had never emerged
victorious on the biggest international stage before his arrival.
Now Russia are among the most accomplished sides at Euro 2008. Their speed
and stamina makes them reminiscent of Hiddink's Koreans, their invention
and technical qualities bear comparison with the Holland side he managed
a decade ago. Yet there are valid reasons why they were underestimated.
Third seeds in their qualifying group, they laboured to a 1-0 win over
Andorra to reach the finals. Eight months ago, there was no outcry when
Russians were ignored when the 50-man shortlist for the European Footballer
of the Year award was announced.
Now Russian players - the superb Andrei Arshavin in particular - are gaining
currency all over Europe. Hiddink merits some of the credit. In many cases,
their exposure on the international stage is thanks to him. That Sergei
Semak is the only player with a half-century of caps is no coincidence;
Hiddink has ignored established internationals and received wisdom. This
is a team of his own creation, their enterprising attacking football purveyed
by players undaunted and untainted by past failures.
A sense of timing helps. Hiddink was astute enough to accept the job when
a gifted generation where emerging. Fourteen of his squad are aged between
24 and 26 while Arshavin, who turned 27 last month, is only slightly older.
Along with the deal bankrolled by Roman Abramovich, it explains a willingness
to commit to the Russian cause for a further two years.
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Russia celebrate another famous victory. (Empics)
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Especially as it is emphatically his team. Like his compatriot
Dick Advocaat at Zenit St Petersburg, a decision has been made to construct
the side around the playmaker Arshavin. Even the suspension that deprived
Russia of their No. 10 did not diminish his place in Hiddink's plans as
the attacking fulcrum.
But this is a competition where the professional creator is valued. It
is among the most endearing features of Euro 2008 that playmakers have
such an essential role. Although stationed further up the field than Deco,
Luka Modric, Xavi or Andrea Pirlo, Arshavin is a kindred spirit. The merits
of his more advanced role are apparent with the number of chances Russia
have created against Sweden and Holland.
If they could shed their habit of hitting the woodwork, their progress
might have been more serene. Yet drama appears an ever-present in Hiddink's
management. His sides have a fondness for the improbable, and a remarkable
habit of gaining momentum.
In the case of the Russians, it is supplied by the runners from deep.
Perhaps it is a theory that defenders find specialist strikers easier
to track - though the infuriating but exhilarating Roman Pavlyuchenko
still contrives to avoid them - and perhaps a recognition of Russia's
resources in midfield, but Hiddink's plans are hard to combat.
Arguably the most dangerous men make the longest runs. The overlapping
full-backs provide another reminder of Dutch teams, both past and present.
The converted winger Yuri Zhirkov appears capable of being a one-man left
flank and Aleksandr Aniukov, his counterpart on the right, is only a little
less attack-minded.
No other side swarms forward quite like them, but there is still scope
for managerial inspiration. Including Ivan Saenko on the right of midfield
to negate Holland's strength on the left was one; introducing Dmitri Torbinsky,
a player with a capacity to make things happen, another. There was no
need for false modesty from Hiddink, as his subsequent statement that
Russia were superior 'in all components' of the match showed. And, of
course, they had an advantage in the dugout.
Whoever wins Euro 2008, and whoever is in the team of the tournament,
the outstanding manager is apparent.
Soccernet.espn.go.com,
June 22, 2008
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