Realistic Hiddink revels in Russia's Euro journey

VIENNA (AFP) — Russia coach Guus Hiddink, recalling the hazardous qualification route his team suffered to get to Vienna, insisted he was keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of Thursday's Euro 2008 semi-final with Spain.

If England had defeated Croatia at Wembley in the final qualifier back in November then Steve McClaren's men, and not the young Russians, would have taken their place at this feast of European football.

Having snuck in by the back door Russia has punched above its weight and now lies one game away from Sunday's final - an amazing achievement after that opening 4-1 rout dished out by their last four rivals Spain in their opening group game.

"I cannot forget that we had an irregular qualification, good results then bad results," Hiddink told a press conference here Wednesday.

"That's why I'm realistic and not getting carried away by ...