Spain vs Russia Euro 2008 Cup Semi-final Soccer Video
Watch Euro 2008 Semi Finals – Russia 0-3 Spain – in these highlights. Going into the break it was quite even for both sides, though Spain looked more in control of their attacks. Cesc Fabregas didn’t start yet again and came in earlier than he has done during this Euro in place of David Villa who pulled up after a free kick. Coach Aragones is a superstitious man and I can’t think of any other reason for keeping Fabregas out of the starting 11. Cesc had a quiet 1st half – his quietest period of play thus far – but began to turn it on in the 2nd half. Iniesta was far removed from his tournament form and was responsible for the 1st Spanish goal by Xavi. He had a couple of don’t-know-what-to-do-next moments though around the penalty area. Brilliant touch by Fabregas set up the 2nd goal by Daniel Guiza while a Cesc cross to David Silva brought in the 3rd. Spain began to look a superior team once they got the confidence of a 1st goal while Russia looked far removed from what they’ve produced thus far. Arshavin was hardly present and Sergio Ramos and the Spanish defence were mainly responsible, while Pavluchenko barely had a couple of chances. In all, an overwhelming performance by the Spaniards. Germany, here come Spain.
PreMatch: Usually in tournaments like this, the result of an earlier clash between two teams counts for something only when there is a marked difference in quality between two teams. Though Spain vs Russia in the league stage went 4-1 Spain’s way, Russia were without Arshavin (a striking example that the entry of one man can kickstart a team) and gave indications that a little luck and it could have been a more even result. In fact, if Spain don’t start with Cesc Fabregas, Russia could just maybe pip them. In the quarters vs Italy the difference to Spain’s game with his entry was marked. This is one match that I won’t have a personal favourite in while watching, despite backing Spain from the outset of Euro.
