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Well I have to put my hands up and say i didn't see that coming, Russia beating Holland that is. Funny thing is the RTE pundits did. All three of them at that!

In what must have been one of the most boring games since the tournament began Holland played like a bunch of scared kids while the Russians probed and tested the water. Cagey game the pundits called it, passionless tip tap I say. Then Russia scored and Holland equalized, great I thought at last a bit of excitement, but no it wasn't to be. The Dutch gave up the ghost and Russia cruised home, the only glimmer of light being a great performance from the new buzz player of the tournament Arshevan.

So Russia deservedly progress to the semi final against either Italy or Spain and as all the group winners up to now have been sent home I still tip Italy to send Spain packing, but as has been proven almost on a game by game basis in this tournament, anything could happen. One thing we can be sure of as long as Russia remain in the tournament we will be subjected to the aesthetic nightmare of shirtless Russian male fans. Be proud of your shirts for God sake, put them on!