Hiddink hails 'unbelievable' victory over countrymen

Published on Sunday 22 June 2008 01:31

THERE was no doubt the happiest Dutchman in Basel last night was Guus Hiddink.

After plotting the downfall of his countrymen with a 3-1 victory after extra time, the Russia coach paid tribute to his team's fitness levels and fighting spirit.

"I think my team was technically, tactically and physically better – which is tremendous because I, of all people, know how well the Dutch prepare," said Hiddink.

"I am extremely proud of the team. If you consider the preparation we had compared to the Dutch to recover, I did not complain about it but we hardly had any time technically. After 90 minutes, going into extra time as they did and doing what they did is unbelievable. I have not experienced that very often in my career.

"My only criticism of our play was the fact that we gave away too many fouls in dangerous positions and did not take enough of our chances. But the mental power of this team was incredible."

Russia now face a semi-final in Vienna on Thursday against the winner of tonight's match between Italy and Spain.

But Hiddink, whose team started the tournament at 28/1 to lift the trophy, said he did not care who they came up against next.

"I cannot yet even think about which team I'd prefer in the semi-finals because, as outsiders, we have already made a fantastic achievement," he said.

Marco van Basten, who will now stand down as the Netherlands coach to take over at Ajax, admitted that Russia deserved the victory.

"I have to ask myself why, since we had more rest than the Russians, we were not physically as fit," he said.

"We had three or four players who couldn't give much more. I told the Russian players afterwards they had done very well and were better than us. We had three great games but today we did not deserve to win."

Van Basten also spared a thought for his goalkeeper, 37-year-old Edwin van der Sar. "I feel very sorry for Edwin van der Sar because I would have liked to have given him the final, he is such a great keeper and deserves to win a tournament like this," he said.