Hiddink hails brilliance of Arshavin as Russia look forward to quarter-finals

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Manager Guus Hiddink hailed the contribution of Andrei Arshavin after his playmaker returned from suspension and fired Russia into the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.

Arshavin was suspended for the first two matches of the finals after kicking out in Russia's final qualifier and getting sent off, but was back for the 2-0 win over Sweden.

Hiddink did not give him back the captain's armband but Arshavin still took centre stage, scoring the second goal and starting the move that led to Roman Pavlyuchenko's opener.

Andrei Arshavin celebrates after scoring Russia's second goal against Sweden

"Arshavin is a player who can decide very fast where he can create danger, he's a very smart player," Hiddink said.

"There was a lack of match-fitness but that is the reason why I took him in the 23-man squad - he can make a difference."

Dutchman Hiddink is now relishing a clash against Holland at the weekend. Since
starting to compete as Russia, in 1992, it is the first time they have made it out of the group stages of a major tournament.

"I know the way we play we get respect because we play with the concepts that football should be played, like Holland," said Hiddink, who was Netherlands manager in the mid-1990s.

"I don't know if they fear us but they have five days more rest, which is an advantage.

"It's a special game because I know the players, the coach and more people within the squad I worked with."

Sweden had only needed a point themselves to make it out of Group D but defeat could now signal the end at this stage for some of their older players, although
Henrik Larsson told reporters he did not think it would be his last international game.

"A new generation is coming through," said coach Lars Lagerback. "We had a number of younger players in this squad, but it's about picking the best players regardless of their age. "It's not about age and experience, but the quality of the players."

Lagerback feels Russia could be the surprise package of the latter stages.

He added: "It's difficult to say but they are a very good team, the defeat against Spain didn't show all their qualities. The chance is always there.

"They were better than we were. We became passive in the first half. In the second half we tried to lift the team higher up the pitch but unfortunately they scored a second goal and it was more of an uphill struggle.

"It's very sad, we haven't experienced this since the tournament in 2000 in Belgium and Holland. I have a very bitter feeling about it."