It took extra-time to get there, but goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko, Dimitri Torbinski and Andrei Arshavin ensured that a Ruud van Nistelrooy strike proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

The Russians looked fired up from the off and edged a cagey first-half as Holland struggled to rekindle the free-flowing, attacking panache which had illuminated their group outings.

Guus Hiddink's side peppered Edwin van der Sar's goal with dangerous long-range efforts throughout the opening period, while Van Nistelrooy spurned a couple of half-chances at the opposite end of the field.

Then, on 56 minutes, Russia finally broke the Dutch resistance as Sergei Semak swung over a cross from the left and Roman Pavlyuchenko crashed home a crisp volley.

That appeared to be enough to send Hiddink's men through, but Van Nistelrooy's 86th minute header forced extra-time.

Russia continued to look like the more likely victors, though, and it came as no surprise when Torbinski bundled home an Arshavin cross with just eight minutes left on the clock.

With the Dutch desperately seeking a second route back into the match their dreams were finally crushed four minutes later when the impressive Arshavin squeezed a low effort through van der Sar's legs, with the aid of a deflection from Johnny Heitinga.

Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt, Arsenal striker Robin van Persie and Blackburn Rovers' André Ooijer all featured for the Dutch.

Russia will now meet either Spain or Italy in the semi-final on Thursday 26th June.