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HIDDINK ERA ENDS WITH DRAW TO HUNGARY
Guus Hiddink's "farewell match" as
Russia manager ended in a modest 1-1 draw with Hungary, in a friendly
at Puskas Ferenc Stadion in Budapest.
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Hungary vs. Russia Photo SPORT EXPRESS
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Mr Hiddink, who was handed the managerial reigns of Russia
in April 2006, has led a remarkable turnaround that culminated in a semi-final
berth in the Euro 2008. Ranked as high at sixth in the world during his
tenure, Russia has returned to its spot as a football powerhouse. Though
disappointed with not qualifying for World Cup 2010, the sixty-three year-old
Dutch leader has played an extraordinary role in turning Russia's football
hopes into a reality.
Leading into Wednesday's contest, it set-in that this was Mr. Hiddink's
final match and many players lauded him for his impact, as with Andrey
Arshavin's noteworthy reference to him as a father figure. Against Hungary,
Russia faced a formidable foe and lacked quality finishing for the first
forty-five minutes. To the delight of their home fans, Hungary went in
front 1-0 lead at the thirty-ninth minute. After a free kick near the
right corner into the box was not cleared properly, Vilmos Vanczak latched
onto the ball ten metres out on the left and drove it through the hands
of 'keeper Igor Akinfeev to the right corner of the net.
At the re-start, Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko entered the match
as Russia went on the hunt for the leveller. Attacking was lacking a razors
edge but just before the hour Russia was gifted the equalizer via an abysmal
piece of defending as Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, kneed-in Andrei Arshavin's
corner from the left. In the remaining time, Hungary looked more likely
to score the winner but 'keeper Vladimir Gabulov, who came in at the break,
stopped Laszlo Bodnar and Adam Szalai late. Though Hungary had a man advantage
in the final moments after Igor Denisov was sent off, the match concluded
as a 1-1 draw, honours even.
As the sun sets on the "Guus Hiddink era", all eyes are now
poised on Russian Football Union president Sergey Fursenko's decision
on the new manager, the commitment to youth development and building the
infrastructure for long term success.
Sport
Express Daily, 04 March 2010
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