Arshavin inspires team to new heights

INNSBRUCK: The return of playmaker Andrei Arshavin on Wednesday transformed Russia from a pedestrian and predictable Euro 2008 team into a slick-passing unit able to overwhelm Sweden with two superb goals.

Few believed coach Guus Hiddink when he said he might not start with his deep-lying attacker due to a lack of match fitness after the inspirational Arshavin was forced to sit out the first two Group D games through suspension.

But nobody could have envisaged what an impact the midfield schemer would make within minutes of joining the party as Russia beat Sweden 2-0 to set up a quarterfinal with Netherlands.