Spain deserved victory - Hiddink

Russia coach Guus Hiddink admitted his side were well beaten after seeing a classy Spain side run out 3-0 winners in their Euro 2008 semi-final.

"We lost to a really good team from Spain," said the 61-year-old Dutchman.

"Spain were excellent and deserved their victory. I am disappointed by the result, but I am proud of my team."

Hiddink has now lost in three major semi-finals, also tasting defeat with Holland and South Korea in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups respectively.

"The disappointment of tonight is in our head, but when our emotions calm down we are very proud, not just the results but the way they have played," said the Dutchman.

"Of course after a game where we are defeated we are disappointed, that is logical.

606: DEBATE
"The stage was set but Arshavin the 'star' forgot to show. Pity."
Big_Villain

"We could play with Spain for the first half and part of the second, there was still a game, but their plan to tire us led to our marking being loose in midfield so we had to run a lot.

"That is the moment they had the quality to strike. It is a very deserved win - it's very difficult to play against a team like that who can play one-touch football. I hope they play a good final."

Hiddink also felt an extra midfielder made the difference for Spain.

"We could handle Torres and Villa in the first half okay, but with the change to a midfielder in there came more mobility," he said.

"It is difficult to play that and control it. They also do it at a rather quick pace. You can feel it and it's a matter of time, that's their class."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
BBC Sport's Euro 2008 blog
Your say - 606
Uefa: Euro 2008
Uefa venue guide: Vienna
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites