Dutch so fancied – but watch that Russian resilience

By Alex Smith

Published:

WE are finally down to the serious business in the European championship finals – with perhaps only one surprise among the teams who made the quarter-finals.

Turkey are there – but I fully expected the Czech Republic to qualify for the last eight.

Only a five -minute spell of madness from goalkeeper Petr Cech and his team-mates cost them advancement.

The Dutch look to have sorted out their Achilles heel in defence and, with such a wealth of attacking options, they have a marvellous chance of going all the way.

I also expect Russia to go close. Several members of Guus Hiddink’s squad play for Zenit St Petersburg, who showed their terrific talent in winning the Uefa Cup final against Rangers in Manchester last month.

Hiddink is a superb manager and must be delighted by the quality in his squad. Every player is super-fit and has tremendous skill.

When Russia lost their opening match to Spain it seemed an out-of-character performance. But they have responded magnificently and, if they maintain their discipline, they can cause the Dutch problems tomorrow. Russia work so hard to get the ball back – and they drive forward at pace.

The Dutch and the Russians are the two quickest teams in the tournament and I think this match could be the pick of the round.

However, were I a betting man, I would still be fancying world champions Italy to add the European crown to their honours. Forget the fact that the Azzurri have scraped through. Like the great Germany teams of the past, they know this is when the tournament really begins. There is no second chance and, when it matters most, they always seem to find a way to win.

I watched the Azzurri on several occasions in the qualifying campaign and they are clearly still a great team.

Traditionally slow starters, they always come good in the knockout stages and I really fancy them to upset Spain on Sunday.

Croatia could win the tournament but, like the Dutch and the Portuguese, I always feel there is a self-destruct button somewhere.

They are three teams who boast marvellous, talented players, but I doubt they can hold it all together when the pressure is on.

Whatever happens, it is the most wide-open tournament I can remember – and that can only be good for the game.

Conspicuous by their absence from the quarter-finals are the mighty France.

I saw Les Bleus many times and believe they were fortunate to qualify. A team which has grown old together, they look a spent force. Work will be required to revive them.

IWAS unable to attend Jimmy Bonthrone’s funeral, but I feel I must make a mention of the former Aberdeen manager’s contribution to Scottish football.

He may not have been the high-profile manager some of his successors became at Pittodrie.

But, make no mistake, Jimmy played a huge role in laying the foundations for the future successes of the Dons.

An unsung hero in my eyes, Jimmy, who died last week, was one of the fathers of football and will be sorely missed.