Hiddick’s star now shining brighter

GUUS HIDDINK had already forged a reputation as a coach of the highest class but his exploits in his two years with Russia have seen his stock rise even higher.

Not only has he guided the Russians to the brink of their first major final in 20 years following their 3-1 extra-time win over his native Holland in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, he has also lifted the country back into world football’s elite.

Midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov said: “He has shown us how it is possible to play. He knew how we should play against Sweden and Greece (in the group stages) and then against Holland.