Russia

Scintillating Spain set for final showdown

Nandita F24 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:01:18 +0200

Spain qualified for the finals of the 2008 European Championship for the first time in 24 years after beating Russia 3-0. They meet Germany in Vienna on June 29 for the finals. Spanish striker David Villa is most likely to miss Sunday's match because of a thigh injury.

Hiddink's Russian heroes send the Dutch packing

Nandita F24 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:09:29 +0200

Russian fans celebrated all through the night after a breathtaking 3-1 victory over the Netherlands. The Dutch, who sailed through the so-called "Group of Death", were battered by Russia when Dmitri Torbinsky and Andrei Arshavin scored two goals during extra-time, sealing their spot in the tournament's semi-final for the first time in history.

Russian fans celebrate all night long

Video posted by polikvilkin on June 21, 2008

"Basel has turned Oranje"

Nandita F24 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:25:09 +0200

Today the city of Basel turned orange - or perhaps that should be 'Orenje' - as the most dedicated Dutch fans turned up a day early for their quarter final against Russia.

Well, why spend a couple of hours watching football when you can turn it into a whole weekend? I haven't seen any Russian fans yet, but I know they will make themselves felt once they're here. On previous form at this tournament Holland have to be favourites, but thats probably what people thought about Croatia.

As I went for a very early morning walk, I was hoping to hear birds singing, the wind playing carelessly with the grass in my local park, and perhaps a coffee brewing in my favourite cafe.

Barely had I stepped out of the door that the sound of car horns, trumpets and that tinny sound of car stereos turned up to maximum volume filled the normally peaceful suburban Basel air. Let me explain. I dont live in the centre of town, and I dont live next to the stadium. So why would hundreds of football fans have congregated a hundred metres from my house?

It turns out this is where the numerous coaches making their way from the Netherlands to Basel are dropping off their passengers. The Basel-bound fans have been arriving since the middle of the night, and thats why quite a few had brought blankets to sleep in the first available area they found - my local park. An interruption to my morning walk would normally make me grumpy, but these Dutch fans are in such high spirits its really infectious. I still havent seen any Russian fans though."

"You could only appreciate the way our team played yesterday"

Emmanuel F24 — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:58:18 +0200

Russia qualified for the quarter finals by finishing second in Group D thanks to a 2-0 win over Sweden. They will face the Netherlands in the next round. Yuri Semin, actual Dynamo Kiev manager and former Russian selection coach gives his impression.

Who will be the last to qualify?

Nicolas F24 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:08:02 +0200

In the Group D, Spain is already qualified with 6 points. One ticket for the quarter finals is still open, and Sweden and Russia will fight for it.

Greece crash out of Euro 2008

Nandita F24 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:55:11 +0200

A 33rd minute goal by Konstantin Zyryanov saw Russia defeat Greece 1-0 and put an early end to the title holders’ campaign at Euro 2008. With 3 points, Russia trail Sweden on goal average, behind the already qualified Group D leaders Spain.

The Greeks, who stunned the world by winning the title in Portugal four years ago, remain bottom of Group D with no points from their first two games.

Desperate for points

Nandita F24 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:45:44 +0200

After a disastrous opening - where defending champions Greece fell 2-0 to Sweden and Russia were battered 4-1 by Spain - the two teams battle for points in a crucial Group D match.

Villa scores 3 as Spain thrash Russia

Karine F24 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:47:09 +0200

Spain thrashed Russia 4-1 thanks to a triple goal feat by David Villa (20th, 44th and 75th minute). The fourth goal was scored by “Cesc” Fabregas during extra time. Our Observer, Russian coach Valeriy Nepomnyaschiy, says that though the game was lost, Russia hasn’t lost its hopes.

'Even a draw against Spain would be great'

Nandita F24 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:38:56 +0200

It’s hard to predict the result of this evening’s match between Spain and Russia. The Spaniards, among the favorites, have always failed to play convincingly in the final stages of the tournament. On the Russian side, the team isn’t used to playing at an international level but has an impressive line-up under Gus Hiddick.