Van Basten, who went to Russians' locker room congratulating their success, admitted that Russians were the better squad tonight but considered physical problem as the main cause leading to the Netherlands' under-par performance.

"We had physical problem in the extra time," said the former Ajax and Ac Milan striker, who will leave Dutch national team after the tournament.

"We had one week before the quarterfinal. Normally we would be more in shape but we didn't see it tonight. It's a pity.

"I have to say Russians were simply better than we were," he added.

 Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko shoots during the quarterfinal against the Netherlands at the Euro 2008 Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on June 21, 2008.

After both teams squandering dozens of opportunities, Roman Pavlyuchenko opened scoring for Russia in the 56th minute as the forward continued his superb form with a third goal in the tournament. Sergei Semak burst down the left and delivered a neat cross which Pavlyuchenko steered into the near post with Edwin van de Sar well beaten.

While the pretty open game looked sure to end in Dutch's disappointment in 90 minutes, Rudd van Nisterolley came to rescue with four minutes remaining.

The Real Madrid striker headed in an unbelievable free-kick from Wesley Sneijder to send the game into extra time.

But the Russians kept on the pressure and Arshavin held off the challenge from Andre Ooijer before clipping over a wonderful cross from the left which was tapped in by Torbinski, who replaced Ivan Saenko in the 81st minute.

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