Against all odds, the Russians outclassed Marco Van Basten's side, who were tipped by many to lift the Henry Delaunay trophy this summer.

However, an unlikely title contender was unveiled on Saturday, evidenced by a dazzling display from Andrei Arshavin and Co.

Man of the Day: Andrei Arshavin

The return of Arshavin from suspension demonstrated how instrumental he is to the Russian side, who netted five goals in two games in his presence.

After he was voted man of the match against Sweden, the Zenit St Petersburg ace did it again as he capped a brilliant performance with a goal and an assist in the Dutch victory.

The dexterous striker ran rings around the Oranje defense, causing havoc for Van Basten's side with his blistering pace and exquisite dribbling.

With more than 110 minutes of play, Arshavin did not show any signs of fatigue when he outpaced Andre Ooijer before sending a pin-point cross for Dmitri Torbinski, who netted the winner in extra-time.

He then got his name on the scoresheet with a tight-angled shot that went between the legs of Edwin Van der Sar four minutes from time.

Goal of the Day: Roman Pavlyuchenko

Pavlyuchenko proved that he is a quality striker when he opened the scoring at St. Jakob Park with a superb finish.

The Spartak Moscow hitman made a clever diagonal movement to avoid the attentions of his marker, before meeting Sergei Semak's cross with an accurate volley past Van der Sar.

Play of the Day: Kolodin's red card escape

Denis Kolodin breathed a sigh of relief when referee Lubos Michel reverted on his decision to send him off in the 90th minute.

Michel decided to give the Russia defender a second booking for a foul on Wesley Sneijder, but was alerted by the linesman that the ball has already gone out of play.

"I paid the referee a compliment," Russia coach Hiddink said.

However, Kolodin will not be available for the semi-finals as he received his second yellow card of the competition.

Quote of the Day: Guus Hiddink

"I have seen tremendous joy all over Russia and that gives more responsibility to the team – to give joy to many millions of Russians," said Hiddink.

Hiddink's comments might sound natural for a Russian citizen, but the fact that he is a Dutchman makes it an ironic quote.

The former Holland boss is now in a different position than 'many millions' of unhappy Dutch fans.