Gambling Guus reaps rewards as Russian danger men sink Lagerback

RUSSIA 2 SWEDEN 0

Guus Hiddink was left savouring a quarter-final against his native Holland last night after two familiar names tore Sweden apart and announced Russia' s belated arrival as contenders for the European Championship crown.

Roman Pavluchenko, England's chief tormentor in Moscow, and Andrei Arshavin, who dashed Rangers' UEFA Cup dream at Eastlands last month, claimed the goals that did scant justice to an irresistible show of flair and adventure. If France's demise 24 hours earlier was seen as the end of an era, this could be the start of one.

Point to prove: Roman Pavlyuchenko

Russia's first place in the knock-out stages, and first win over Sweden since the break-up of the Soviet Union was achieved with an attacking cohesion that promises to test Holland's new self-belief to the limit in Basle on Saturday.

With Hiddink in charge, Russia have good cause for optimism. The 61-year-old has an enviable record for delivering on the international stage, having now steered four nations to the knock-out stages of major tournaments. He led Holland and South Korea to the World Cup semi-finals and Australia to the last 16.

Judgment is clearly part of the secret after his bold decision to restore Arshavin to the side, despite fears over his readiness following a two-match ban.

The Zenit St Petersburg forward soon banished doubts with a run and cross in the seventh minute that would have led to a breakthrough for Igor Semshov but for Konstantin Zyryanov getting in his way.

Pavluchenko stunned England with two goals in four minutes, as substitute in the qualifying campaign, and his sure touch was evident again as he finished off a 24th-minute move that said everything about his side's pace and precision.

Foraging full back Alexander Aniukov latched on to a cutback from the right and switched it inside for Pavluchenko to sweep home.

Henrik Larsson provided a fleeting reminder of his eye for goal with a glancing header against the bar in the 27th minute, but Sweden spent most of the night on the back foot and had no answer to a swift passing style that yielded a second goal in the 50th minute.

Russia broke for a Swedish free-kick deep in their opponents' half and the impressive Yuri Zhirkov squared the ball for Arshavin to slide home.

Larsson admitted Sweden had been outplayed, saying: 'We started well enough, but I'm not sure what happened after that. You've got to give them credit. We gave them space when we started chasing the game, and they certainly made the most of it.'