Russia just keep getting better

Route to the last four
Spain strikers David Villa and Fernando Torres tormented a Russian backline that was labelled childish and naïve by Hiddink after he saw his team beaten 4-1 in Innsbruck, where Roman Pavlyuchenko's goal provided little consolation. A meeting with reigning champions Greece followed in Salzburg and when Konstantin Zyryanov connected with Sergei Semak's hooked cross in the 33rd minute, Russia were back up and running. Belief was growing and Hiddink's tactics helped earn a deserved victory against Sweden, Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin, back after a two-game suspension, scoring the goals. Against his native Netherlands, Hiddink dubbed Russia underdogs. In fact after Pavlyuchenko struck early in the second half victory looked likely until Ruud van Nistelrooy headed in at the far post on 86 minutes to force extra time. Russia looked fresher than their opponents in the additional half-hour and when substitute Dmitri Torbinski struck his team's second there was no way back for the men in Orange. Arshavin sealed the win four minutes later.

Semi-final record
This is Russia's first appearance in a major semi-final, or even a knockout phase, as an independent nation. As part of the former USSR, they were champions in 1960, runners-up in 1964, 1972 and 1988 and fourth in 1968 having lost in the last four to Italy on a coin toss, their only semi-final reverse in five matches. They were also 1966 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, losing to West Germany

Key moment
Arshavin's return from his two-match suspension provided a massive boost to the Russian cause going into the must-win game with Sweden. His freshness and midfield creativity added a new dimension to the improving side.

Key player
In Russia's last two games against Sweden and the Netherlands, Arshavin has been sensational. His close control, passing, penetrative running and an ability to spot and deliver the perfect pass have been key factors in his team's journey to the semi-finals. He scored Russia's second goal against Sweden in the 50th minute to effectively seal progress. Against the Netherlands it was his pass that Torbinksi converted to put Russia ahead in extra time and it was 3-1 shortly afterwards when Arshavin converted from close range to earn his second Carlsberg Man of the Match award.

Injuries and suspensions
Torbinski and defender Denis Kolodin will both be banned on Thursday after being booked for the second time in the finals against the Netherlands.

Tactics
Having qualified for the EURO using a defensive system of three centre-backs and attacking full-backs, Hiddink changed to a flat back four for the game with Spain. Despite that loss, the coach has stuck with his 4-5-1 with two defensive midfielders, Sergei Semak and Igor Semshov doing what Hiddink referred to as the "dirty work" ahead of defenders Sergei Ignashevich and Kolodin. Creativity has flowed through central midfielders Konstantin Zyryanov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Arshavin while attacking full-backs Aleksandr Anyukov and Yuri Zhirkov have provided the width. Pavlyuchenko is the lone striker with Arshavin getting forward to support.

Shoot-out record
Russia have never taken part in a penalty shoot-out at a major tournament, and neither did the Soviet Union.

Quotes
• "We'll just have to beat Sweden 4-0 then."  Zyryanov after being told that his wish for a goalless draw with Greece would not help Russia as much as he thought.

• "It's so cool." Bilyaletdinov responds to a question asking him what it feels like to have reached the semi-finals.

• "I want to be the traitor of the year in Holland." Hiddink jokes with the press before his team's quarter-final game with the Netherlands.

• "I regret using the word 'traitor' before the match with the Netherlands. In my concept that's a very bad word." Hiddink backtracks after Russia's 3-1 extra-time win.

What the papers said
"Roman, Andrei and two posts." Daily Sport-Express tries to sum up Russia's 2-0 win against Sweden in one headline.

"The Clockwork Orange broken and dismantled." Izvestiya, a political daily, newspaper describes Russia's triumph over the Netherlands.

"Learning to be wizards." Sport-Express captures the Russians' game-by-game improvement during the tournament.