BASEL, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Substitute Dmitri Torbinski and Andrei Arshavin scored late in extra time to give Russia a deserved 3-1 win over the Netherlands and a semifinal berth at the 2008 European Championships on Saturday. With two sides tying 1-1 after 90 minutes, Torbinski touched in a Arshavin pass 22 minutes into extra time and the talisman added a fourth himself four minutes later to leave Marco Van Basten's Oranje weeping.

Guss Hiddink had made history by guiding the Russians to their first major tournament appearance in the knockout stages since competing solely as Russia in 1991 and now his men went even further into the last four.

"It's a tremendous and unbelievable achievement of the team," said the 61-year-old, who successfully masterminded the downfall of his native Netherlands.

Russian players celebrate their victory over the Netherlands in the quarterfinal of the Euro 2008 Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on June 21, 2008. Russia won 3-1 and was qualified for the semifinal.

"Our first goal was to reach quarterfinals, being outsiders. And then we are in the semifinals. I'm very proud of all, all players."

Although Hiddink said his players played well both technically and physically, he believed it was the "mental power" that led to goals in extra time.

Holland, high-flying in group stage with one hundred percent record including stylish wins over Italy and France, lacked the sparks with which they had earned the fans heart from around the world while Russians showed more determination and penetration in a pretty much open game.

【体坛英语资讯：Extra-time goals lift Russia into semifinals】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing preparing for ATP 500 Series tour in 2009

★ 体坛英语资讯：Five-time All-Star Chris Webber retires from NBA

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears enjoys romance holiday with mystery man

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Witherspoon-Phillippe divorce is final

★ 体坛英语资讯：Djokovic tames Tsonga, Sun crowned with Serbian partner

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Madonna plans second Malawi adoption

★ 娱乐英语资讯：41-year old Halle Berry pregnant with first child

★ 体坛英语资讯：Indiana Jones tops hero poll

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao, LeBron earn NBA honors for January

★ 体坛英语资讯：Diving queen Guo shines at 2008 National Diving Championships