Arshavin livens up the Russians – Euro 2008

It’s half time in the Russia vs Sweden match on Euro 2008.
A game I wasn’t expecting much from to be honest, but that was before I knew that Arshavin was returning to the line up for Russia.

Having served his two game suspension for a sending off in the qualification phase, his return has transformed an ever improving Russian team and had they faced Spain for their last game rather than the first, I think Spain would have had a much more difficult game on their hands.

Sweden have come stronger since they went a goal behind in the 25th minute. A good move finished by Pavluchenko gave the russians a thoroughly deserved lead.

Left back, Zhirkov, has impressed me tonight. He has made some great runs down the left and tracks back quickly whenever any moves break down.

I feel the second half could be even better as the Swedes now know they have to score to stay in it.

Russia will not feel they are strong enough at the back to just sit and soak up the pressure, they still look dangerous on the attack and must surely push on for a second early on in the second half.

If Russia do go through that will set the russian coach Guus Hiddink up to play against his home nation Holland in the quarter finals.

As a footnote I think it’s only fair to mention another Dutch man having a good game, referee Frank De Bleeckere has hardly been noticable suggesting he is letting the game roll as much as he can.