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Hiddink: Arshavin will learn from Spain treatment
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(soccernews.ru)
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Russia coach Guus Hiddink believes Andrei Arshavin will
learn a valuable lesson after being targeted by Spain during last night's
Euro 2008 semi-final defeat.
Arshavin, who looks poised to sign for Barcelona, helped take Russia to
the last four of the competition after returning from suspension and scoring
against Sweden and Holland.
At Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium, in a match played during an electrical
storm, Spain were able to keep him under control in their 3-0 win.
'When he did well in the Sweden game and also again Holland, it's normal
he got attention and a lot are writing that he can play at the top,' said
Hiddink.
'Of course he can but the opponents will focus on him and he also has
difficult moments. It is important for him to play in these big games.
'It's good for him to see there is a lot of resistance to overcome. It
is why these games are very important for our players.'
Hiddink was satisfied with the progress his side made during the tournament.
'The disappointment of tonight is in our head, but when our emotions calm
down we are very proud, not just the results but the way they have played,'
said the Dutchman.
'Of course after a game where we are defeated we are disappointed, that
is logical. We could play with Spain for the first half and part of the
second, there was still a game, but their plan to tire us led to our marking
being loose in midfield so we had to run a lot.
'That is the moment they had the quality to strike. It is a very deserved
win - it's very difficult to play against a team like that who can play
one-touch football. I hope they play a good final.'
Hiddink felt an extra midfielder made the difference for Spain, with Cesc
Fabregas coming on for injured David Villa and setting up the final two
goals.
'We could handle Torres and Villa in the first half okay, but with the
change to a midfielder in there came more mobility,' he said.
'It is difficult to play that and control it. They also do it at a rather
quick pace. You can feel it and it's a matter of time, that's their class.'
Soccernet.espn.go.com,
June 27, 2008
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