“I am especially proud of my team for their achievements and for the progress we have made in a few days,” the Dutch tactician said after the game.

The Russians were thrashed by Spain 4-1 in their opening game. But they managed to get back on track with a hard 1-0 win over defending champions Greece before producing a scintillating display against Sweden on Wednesday.

“The only criticism I can make is that we didn't score enough – we should have punished them with a second goal at the end of the first half and in the second half we had a chance to make it 3-0,”

Russia will have a tougher task now as they will face hot favorites Holland in the quarter finals.

“It will be a special one because I know the players and their coach. They have the big advantage of five days' rest.”