Russia rocked by Dutch charge

Netherlands 4-1 Russia

Sneijder endeavour
With the game goalless at the interval, it took the second-half introduction of Wesley Sneijder and Ryan Babel to spark the below-par Dutch into life – and they did so with aplomb. Tested just once in the first period, Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was much busier after the restart as Sneijder twice warmed his hands with long-range efforts before Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink came close to recording his first international goal with a header from significantly nearer. Babel finally broke the deadlock midway through the half with a well-executed finish, and Sneijder wasted no time in doubling the lead with a fierce strike.

Mathijsen header
An attacking Russia lineup had offered little in response, although midfielder Vladimir Bystrov provided hope of salvaging something from the match with a fine volley. The Netherlands continued to surge forward, however, and Joris Mathijsen quickly restored the two-goal advantage when he rose, unmarked, to nod in from close range before Rafael van der Vaart rounded off a compelling final quarter of the game from the penalty spot, rifling in his eighth international goal.