Russia - Spain Semi-Final Euro2008

Russia v Spain

26/06/2008

Spain were favourites going in to this game after already beating Russia by four goals to one in the teams' first game of the competition. After that, Spain have looked very good, playing good football and beating World champions Italy in the quarter final. Russia were also on good form going in to this game, after coming second in their group and beating the Netherlands in the quarter final.

Neither team started particularly brightly, with Spain looking very tired, and only Fernando Torres was playing well for them. Russia didn't have much better luck in the first half, and they didn't make much of an impression with their players looking disappointing compared to previous games.

It was in the second half when the game came alive, with Spain playing good attacking football and it didn't take long for Xabi to score for the Spaniards. Russia looked tired as Spain passed the ball around fluently, and it was no great surprise when Spain scored again on with seventeen minutes remaining: a well worked move let Daniel Guiza put the ball in to the net with a simple finish.

Spain confirmed their victory on the eighty second minute with a well worked goal: a quick counter attack and a pin point long ball fell to David Silva, who made no mistake from close range, giving the goal keeper no chance.

Overall, Russia lacked the quality we've seen from them in previous games, and in the second half Spain destroyed the Russians, playing brilliant football in midfield and applying the final touches well. Spain will now play Germany in the final.

Final Score:

Russia 0 – 3 Spain