Euro 2008: Man of the Match, June 21
ANDREI ARSHAVIN, RUSSIA. If Real Madrid is prepared to pay up to $150 million to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo, then Arshavin could be a bargain for someone at a quarter of the price. The Netherlands never came up with a suitable answer for the brilliantly creative Arshavin, whose cleverly weighted cross set up the second goal. He capped off a memorable 3-1 victory by scoring the third himself.
WHAT WE LEARNED SATURDAY
1. That winning your group means nothing at Euro 2008. For the third night in a row, a group winner was bounced out of the tournament and all Holland's wonderful effort in the Group of Death was wasted.
2. That Guus Hiddink is a tactical genius. OK, we knew that already, but few expected his Russian side to out-think and out-play the Dutch so comprehensively. His accomplishments with Russia add yet another line to Hiddink's glittering resume.
WHAT WE WANT TO SEE SUNDAY
1. To see a classic battle between two great football nations with Spain's attacking flair against Italy's experience and technical ability. Enjoy.
2. To see whether Sergio Ramos' head is in the right place for a European Championship quarterfinal. Ramos' attitude has been questioned by head coach Luis Aragones, who wants to drop him from the starting lineup but believes he is the best man to handle Italian striker Luca Toni.
