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HIDDINK: I DIDN'T EXPECT QUICK PROGRESS
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Guus Hiddink, head coach of Russia,
celebrates victory with Dmitri Torbinskiy of Russia. Photo:
Laurence Griffiths
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COACH Guus Hiddink says Russia's success at Euro 2008 has
surprised him and he has told his players to enjoy themselves in their
semi-final against Spain because whatever the result, it will make them
better players.
Hiddink's men tactically outwitted Netherlands 3-1 in their quarter-final
to set up a second meeting in the tournament with Spain, which won its
group encounter 4-1 in a poor defensive display from the Russians.
They have since tightened up at the back and honed their exciting attacking
style of play and Hiddink said he was impressed at how quickly they had
turned things around. "I am surprised : not by the skill; I knew
the skill of the players was tremendous. They can control, they can pass
and they are skilful players. I was surprised by their openness and the
way they learnt very fast some international principles and laws of the
game," he said.
Hiddink kept his cards close to his chest about how he might change the
team's approach from the first match against Spain, saying he did not
expect Spain to alter its game today in Vienna.
Hiddink has encouraged the players to savour the moment and not feel under
too much pressure.
"It is tremendous to have these experiences. It's those rare moments
in the sport where you have to enjoy it. When you can enjoy it, normally
you play at your best. We don't pressurise ourselves, we just want to
play football," he said.
Hiddink's players are relishing the prospect of turning the tables on
the team that shredded their defence two weeks ago. "I wanted to
play the Spanish," midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov said. "The
whole team made mistakes against Spain and now we've fixed them.
"It's not a group game, it's for real. It's a stronger atmosphere;
you have to concentrate and not make mistakes."
Captain Sergei Semak agreed, saying: "We made mistakes the first
time, we won't do again."
The Russians' self belief has been growing by the game but they said it
was still too early to be thinking about whether they could go all the
way. "Everybody is talking about us winning the tournament but to
do this we must win the next two games, two very difficult games,"
said Bilyaletdinov.
theage.com.au,
June 26, 2008
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