Russia's national football team has returned to Moscow after losing their Euro 2008 semi-final against Spain on Thursday. Crowds of fans cheered the team at Domodedovo airport. Later on Friday they'll show off their bron

Once the initial disappointment of defeat had passed, most fans felt pride in their team’s achievement – it was Russia’s most successful tournament ever.

The victories over Greece and Sweden put Russia into the knockout stages for the first time. A stunning win over the Dutch earned them the respect of the whole of Europe. Futhermore, the individual performances of Andrey Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko showed that Russian footballers are among the best in the world.

Arshavin has become one of the most sought-after players in the game, with Spanish giants Barcelona among those leading the chase to sign him. The St. Petersburg local looks set to be a hero of the next generation of football fans across Europe. 

On Thursday night in Austria, Guus Hiddink’s young team were humbled 3-0 by a superior Spanish team, who are widely tipped to win the tournament on Sunday.

While Russia’s EURO 2008 may have ended without a trophy, fans are glad they came along for the ride.  They have been on an amazing emotional journey.

They believe that while Hiddink is in charge, Russian football is in safe hands.