Spain 3 v 0 Russia: Spanish Too Good For Tired Russians
June 26, 2008
Spain have beaten Russia 3-0 in the second semi-final in Vienna to set up a final meeting with Germany on Sunday
Cesc Fabregas performed brilliantly - after coming on as a substitute for injured David Villa in the first-half. He proved to be the difference between the two sides after a dull first half encounter.
Man of the moment - and Barcelona bound - Arshavin performed disappointingly tonight, and Russia suffered the consequences. Spain had already beaten the Russians 4-1 in the group stage, but Russia had been rejuvenated by Arshavin since that match. Tonight, however, he struggled to play any part in the game.
Just four minutes after the break, and the deadlock was broken, The impressive Iniesta found some space down the left and cut inside, curling the ball in to the box with his right foot. Xavi made an excellent run that split the Russian defence, and met the cross in acres of space - side footing home with ease.
Just after the hour, Spain made a double substitution. Aragones withdrew Torres (again), and goalscorer Xavi. Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso and La Liga’s top scorer Danny Guiza were brought on to replace them.
Just 5 minutes later, the latter opened his Euro 2008 account when Fabregas nonchalantly clips over the defence. Guiza controlled well with his chest, before flicking it past Akinfeev in the Russian goal. 2-0 and surely the game was over.
Iniesta and Fabregas were controlling the game. Some of the passing was a joy to watch, and at time was simply breathtaking. With Iniesta keeping Fabregas out of the starting line-up, it was a pleasure to watch them play together - with Fabregas playing as the second striker. If Villa is not fit for the final, you have to expect the Arsenal man to start in this position.
With 8 minutes left the two combined again. Iniesta found Fabregas down the left, and his cross was controlled by David Silva before he hammered it home. 3-0, and easy.
The Russians never looked in this game tonight, and almost looked exhausted. Guus Hiddink was looking extremely animated on the touchline for the majority of the second-half, and looked particularly unhappy with his player’s performance.
There was certainly no sign of tiredness from the Spaniards - despite their long quarter-final meeting with Italy.
So, it’s Germany v Spain in the final on Sunday. Tough one to call, but definitely worth the watch. My bet is with the Spanish as they play such beautiful attacking football at times. The German’s looked far from impressive against Turkey - but, you can never rule them out!
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