Russia relieved at Kolodin's red card escape

By Sonia Oxley

BASEL (Reuters) - Denis Kolodin was a relieved man when the referee changed his mind after showing him a red card on Saturday, enabling Russia's 11 men to overpower Netherlands in their Euro 2008 quarter-final.

Slovakian referee Lubos Michel rescinded a second booking for the defender in stoppage time of normal time after a linesman told the official the ball had gone out of play before Kolodin tangled with Wesley Sneijder.

That meant Russia retained a full team for extra time and were able to score two goals to secure a 3-1 win.

"I paid the referee a compliment," Russia coach Guus Hiddink told reporters.

Despite it being rare for a referee to go back on a red-card decision, Kolodin said it had happened to him before.

"It is the second time this has happened to me," he said, although he could not remember when.

Kolodin's relief at staying on the pitch was marred by the fact he will still miss the semi-final against Spain or Italy because he was already on a yellow card from the previous game.

He refused to get too down, saying the main thing was the team were through.

"Maybe I will still have another game to play," said the defender.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)