Arshavin and Company: The Holland Slayers

The Russian Army has invade Euro 2008 and painted it red.

With master tactician Gus Hiddink, genius playmaker Arshavin, and finally on-target Pavlyuchenko, Russia is on their way to the semi-finals.

This was the second upset in the semi-final round at Euro 2008 after Turkey defeated Croatia on Friday. 

The Oranje, who won all their group matches with their high scoring offense, failed to repeat their success against the Russians.

A late goal from Van Nistelrooy in the 86th minute tied the game after a strike from Pavlyuchenko had put the Russians ahead in the 56th minute. But extra time belonged to the Russians as Torbinski scored in the 112th minute and Arshavin finished the Dutch off four minutes later. 

So, who will face Russia in the semifinal? Italy who struggle to advance in their group matches or Spain who won all of their matches thus far.

Will Spain learn from their fellow group winners and be the only one to advance to the quarter-finals? 

Italy will be without Gatusso and Andrea Pirlo, the two main anchors in the midfield. Massimo Ambrosini should return while Pirlo's place could go to AS Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani—a decision Donadoni will make on the morning of the match

"We played Spain recently and they are a great team," the coach said. "They haven't always done well in big tournaments but this will spur them on, so we must be just as motivated as them. They are not very physical but they have great pace

"We've learned a lot from each other but you can't compare a friendly with the quarter-finals of a EURO. And we have our strengths too," he said.

"The boys must remember to enjoy themselves, because to enjoy yourself you have to play well. If they do that they can achieve anything."