Night Russian football caught fire

Harking back to the dark months of the winter against England, Russia looked interesting but naive. Last night they demolished the old men of Sweden and Gus Hiddink’s team had the speed and flair that marked them out as an emerging force. With Zenit’s victory in the Uefa Cup as inspiration they played out of their skins with neat modern football . It is perhaps cruel that such a team now faces the new masters of Hiddink’s own country so quickly after this game. Was this the finished article or could they just run out steam like Sweden did?

The Holland first team have had nearly a week to rest - and possibly fret and find their old angsts again. But this was a new Russia, passing, moving, incisive in front of goal and must have had more than a few chairmen thumbing their cheque books and wondering if they can be persuaded to leave their homeland. In that regard Chelsea would seem to be in pole position to move for the best players. The game against the Dutch will define whether these are potential champions or just young up-starts.

Get the best odds on Russia vs Holland.

Visit world’s easiest Sports Betting site BetClick, signup and get £10 Free Bets.