Guus Hiddink feels Russia's progression to the Euro 2008 quarter finals could prove to be little more than the tip of the iceberg for his most recently adopted nation.
He now has his sights set on using progress to the last eight of Euro 2008 as a springboard.
"If you see where Russia have come from then this is already a success," he said. "We are coming up. It's already a big success.
"The biggest success for Russia would be if we use this momentum to improve the national infrastructure, giving our young players a chance, educating them in a new, modern way.
"Then this big country, not now but the day after tomorrow, becomes one of the leading teams in Europe. Responsible people, wherever they are, must provide the next step in the development of young players. Success for the A team means we can relax."
Hiddink admits his success has come as a result of an old school 'my way or the highway' relationship with his players.
"It's not advice," Hiddink said. "I demand a response. I don't want to sound cocky, but if you want to play at international level then the demands I lay down means you can go one of two ways: either fly, or fight.
"That's the choice we offered. They chose to fight."