Spain Thrash Russia, and Sweden Beat Holders Greece
June 10, 2008 by CLDsport
Spain 4-1 Russia, Sweden 2-0 Greece.
The 4th day of Euro 2008 was Group D’s chance to show us what they can do - or in the case of holders Greece, what they can’t do.
The afternoon match saw the much fancied Spanish meet Russia in Innsbruck. With the Spanish heavily backed to win the tournament, today was their opportunity to prove they are worthy. They did so in some style, with a hat-trick from David Villa.
Russia started positively but were hit on the break. A defensive clearance from Capdevila allowed Fernando Torres to muscle his way past Kolodin. Although there was an element of luck that saw Torres break free from the defender, the unselfish pass to Villa was commendable, and showed great vision from the Liverpool forward. Villa made no mistake in converting to put Spain 1-0 up after just 18 minutes.
Credit must go to Russia though, as they did not let their heads drop, and almost seemed to encourage them to attack. Some might say that the Russians may even have been unlucky not to equalise with Zyryanov hitting the post at one point.
Despite Russia’s efforts, Spain were looking every bit the classy team that they should be. The lead was doubled on the stroke of half-time with the goal of the match. Russia inexplicably gave the ball away from a corner, and the impressive Iniesta played a perfect through ball into Villa, who timed his run to perfection and slotted the ball through Akinfeyev’s legs.
The second half began even more openly than the first, with the Russians even more determined to claw their way back into the match. It was Spain who got the goal though, with David Villa claiming the first hat-trick of the tournament.
Substitute Fabregas provided a perfectly weighted diagonal pass from right to left, splitting the Russian centre-backs. Villa received the pass, turned inside the defender and finished coolly to make it 3-0.
The game looked over for Russia, but still they failed to give up. Their determination finally paid off in the 86th minute when Pavlyuchenko scored from a corner, but it was too little too late for Hiddink’s team. Russia were still chasing the game until the death, but Fabregas sealed their fate in injury time, heading in from close range after Xavi’s shot was parried.
Spain deserved the win, but Russia contributed more to the game than the 4-1 scoreline might suggest.
After an hours break, it was holders Greece who took to the stage. Sweden were their opponents in Salzburg. Greece never once looked like the team they were 4-years ago, and are certain to lose their crown this summer.
The first half saw Greece being booed by both sets of fans, as they ridiculously passed the ball around defence for minutes at a time. I’m all for defensive strategies, but this was something I’ve never seen before. An embarrassment to the tournament is how I viewed it.
This awful show of ‘football’ swayed me to support the Swedish, and I was ecstatic to see them take the lead with just over 20 minutes remaining with a stunning strike from Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Fresh from winning the Scudetto for Inter, his goal was simply stunning.
After a one-two with Henrik Larsson, and smashed the return pass into the top corner from 25-yards, without breaking stride.
Six minutes later, Sweden hammered the final nail into the Greek coffin, when Nikopolidis saved Ljungberg’s effort. The loose ball created all sorts of confusion in the penalty area, before Hansson managed to get the ball into the net.
Despite my earlier comments, Greece were in the ascendancy before Sweden broke the deadlock. But, after their almost comical first-half exploits it would have been disappointing to see them get anything out of this game. Thankfully, they didn’t.
So, every team has now made an appearance, and the best of the bunch are Spain and the Netherlands - with Germany close behind. Tomorrow, Group A are back on…… and it all starts again.
Let us know your thoughts of the tournament so far. Were you annoyed by the Greece tactics? Or is it just me?!
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