Russia

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Hiddink hopes for impact

26 Jun 2008 - 10:52:37

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Guus Hiddink is hoping his side's success in Euro 2008 can lead to a revolution in Russia football.

Russia could set up a final meeting with Germany should they overcome Spain in Vienna on Thursday evening and Hiddink is hoping the success can be a watershed moment in his adopted nation's football history.

"Fortunately we qualified (for the tournament) but if it didn't happen we should still go on with improving the infrastructure," he said.

"When you don't win you have to improve your strategy and infrastructure. I also recognise that if the national team wins it accelerates those processes.

"You could lean back and say that we did more than expected but that is not the spirit to take into the next games.

"Russian football is coming alive and so is the national team.

"My personal challenge is not that important, but what is, is how everyone who is in charge of this now can use this momentum.

"It's not about my success. When you win of course you are considered a success, whereas when you lose you are not the coach they once considered you were."