A look at the likely formations, strengths and weaknesses of the Netherlands and Russia, who meet in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.

Formations

The Netherlands are expected to line up in the 4-2-3-1 formation that brought them three successive wins in Group C.

The first two victories, over world champions Italy (3-0) and World Cup runners-up France (4-1) were with their first choice team. The third over Romania (2-0) featured the back-up players also performing convincingly in the same formation.

Russia varied their formation in the group matches, with a basic 3-5-2 evolving into a diamond-shaped 4-3-2-1 in the defeat by Spain (1-4), 4-5-1 against Greece (1-0) and a variation of 4-1-4-1 against Sweden (2-0), their best match so far.

Strengths

The Dutch creative midfield of Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt or Robin van Persie use the width of the field to stretch opponents and are blisteringly fast on the counter-attack.

Frontman Ruud van Nistelrooy not only scores but comes back into midfield and helps create goals too. The defence, criticised pre-tournament, has looked rock solid.

Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink (pictured) has instilled a sense of self-belief into his team which was previously lacking. With the gifted Andrei Arshavin back from suspension, Russia's main weapon is the pace and guile of their attack.

Weaknesses

The Dutch have shown few weaknesses but will have to lift themselves mentally as a squad following the tragic death of defender Khalid Boulahrouz's prematurely-born daughter this week. He has been outstanding at right back, and if he decides not to play his absence will be sorely felt.

Russia were exposed defensively in their opening match by Spain's David Villa who plundered a hat-trick. They showed against Sweden how good they can be but whether they believe they can beat the Dutch is another matter.

Defence

The Dutch conceded one goal in Group C and the defence, with Edwin van der Sar outstanding in goal, has been superb. Giovanni van Bronckhorst is one of the players of the tournament so far and error-prone Joris Mathijsen has been confident and assured.

Roman Shirokov made way in the centre of Russia's defence after a poor performance against Spain and with Sergei Ignashevich now playing at centre-half in front of his CSKA Moscow clubmate and goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, the back line, like the rest of the team, has a far better look about it.

Midfield

The Dutch midfield shone against Italy and France with Sneijder full of running and scoring in both matches.

Coach Marco van Basten can also rely on the speed of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie to create chances. Defensive bolts Orlando Engelaar and Nigel de Jong support the front men brilliantly.

Hiddink has had a largely settled midfield with skipper Sergei Semak leading by example and Igor Semshov, among others, improving dramatically as the tournament has progressed.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Konstantin Zyrianov have worked well together with the latter scoring the winner against Greece last Saturday.

Attack

The Dutch netted nine goals in the group phase, more than any other team, and seven different players have scored.

With Van Nistelrooy still one of the game's most lethal finishers, despite playing a more withdrawn role here, the Dutch constantly pose an attacking threat.

The return of Arshavin increases Russia's potency in front of goal as he proved by scoring in the 2-0 win over Sweden.

Roman Pavlyuchenko, with two goals so far, will also aim to add to that total with Arshavin orchestrating the build-up play.

Reuters