The Orange will rule the world tonight?

Following their only success from 20 years ago, the Dutch have always come as far as the last eight, making the semi-finals three times, in 1992, 2000 and 2004. But for Russia, the latter stages of this tournament are somewhat of uncharted territory.   The Russia could be credited with their own version of “Total football”. The Russians in particular might have had their ups and downs since the early ‘90s, but now the youngest side in the tournament, guided by the “magic hand” of Hiddink, are determined to give the favourites as hard a time as they can. Do remember the Russians had never reached these heights before and they may turn on their luck for having to play the Netherlands, who have emerged as the hottest team in Europe this summer.  

FORM GUIDE  

Netherlands

24/5/2008 (Fr.)         Ukraine        3-0 (H)  

29/5/’08 (Fr.)         Denmark      1-1 (H)  

1/6/’08 (Fr.)          Wales          2-0 (H)  

9/6/’08 (EC)          Italy             3-0 (N)  

13/6/’08 (EC)        France         4-1 (N)  

17/6/’08 (EC)        Romania      2-0 (N)  

Russia  

23/5/2008 (Fr.)      Kazakhstan  6-0 (H)  

28/5/’08 (Fr.)         Serbia          2-1 (N)  

4/6/’08 (Fr.)          Lithuania       4-1 (N)  

10/6/’08 (EC)        Spain           1-4 (N)  

14/6/’08 (EC)        Greece         1-0 (N)  

18/6/’08 (EC)        Sweden       2-0 (N)  

Team Line Up

Netherlands

Russia

Possible starting XI (4-5-1):  Igor Akinfeev – Aleksandr Anyukov, Sergei Ignashevich, Denis Kolodin, Yuri Zhirkov – Sergei Semak, Igor Semshov, Konstantin Zyryanov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Arshavin – Roman Pavlyuchenko.  

PLAYERS TO WATCH  

Netherlands – Robin van Persie  

Came on as a sub in the first two matches of the final phase, he scored against France and again versus Romania, this time as a starter. The world is at his feet with only the age of 24.

Arjen Robben

Score against France after fully recover from his injuries and once again the “flying man” is Flying. He may not start as the team first 11 tonight but for sure the coach will let him play when the time is right.

Russia – Andrei Arshavin  

 ” Just do it”

His has the abilities to lead the team to victory and you can see it during the game against Sweden.He not only provide assists but also score a goal for his country. A Zenit man through and through, the Russian Player of the Year of both 2005 and 2006.

MY PREDICTION  

The Dutch are certainly the team that i predicted will be the final winner in this tourament,but they won’t go through that easily tonight especially against a side with a never-say-die attitude which also enjoys its own passing game. Tonight is the battle between the Origin country of “Total Football” and the new Russia “Total Football”. I’m impressed with Hiddink team but i’m more impressed with current Nertherlands team compare to few years ago, they play fanstastic football that leads them to glory. I can’t find any reason to convince myself why the Orange should lose this one? Do you?

Nertherlands 3-0 Russia or Nerthelands 2-0 Russia

CHEERS~~~!

” I believe Nerthelands can fly”,

“I believe they can touch the sky”

“I think about it every night and day”

“Swing my wings and fly away…………………”

“Chicken Buddies, are you guys with me tonight?”

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