While Turkey have definitely defied the odds and done so with some skilful and creative football, their passage to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 on the other side of the draw cannot quite be compared to that of fellow underdogs Russia, particularly in light of their quarterfinal win over tournament favourites the Netherlands yesterday evening.
Marco van Basten’s men were without doubt the form team of the tournament, having obliterated world champions Italy 3-0 in their opening game and, as if to prove it wasn’t dumb luck, trounced France 4-1 a matter of days later. Even once the world was wise to their tactics and they fielded a second string against a disciplined Romania side fighting for qualification, they eventually broke them down to emerge 2-0 winners. Their defence has looked shaky - they will always give you a chance - but always looked like taking more of their own.
They were missing the presence of Arjen Robben yesterday, who was enjoying yet another routine injury, and Marco van Basten’s decision to remove one of his central midfielders did not bear the fruit of fortune it did against France, as it only succeeded in allowing Russia to dictate the game. No question, they could have done things better - last night served to underline van Basten’s flaws as a coach and the players’ flaws in certain areas but, above all, Russia’s prodigious dynamism and overall strength as a team.
Russia have been universally recognised as the better side on the night - but this wasn’t such a major shock - as tactically, they looked second only to the Dutch going into the game, and have now without doubt superceded them and look like the most dangerous collective left in the tournament. They may have capitulated on opening day against Spain, but that was without star man Andrei Arshavin, and they were caught by a Spanish side that hit its peak - possibly far too early - and were simply outclassed.

goal.com