RUSSIA 0 vs 3 SPAIN
Spain: Xavi Hernández 50, Güiza 73, Silva 82
Entertainment value: 4/5
Spain: Xavi Hernández 50, Güiza 73, Silva 82
Entertainment value: 4/5
Spain is set to face Germany in the finals after pummelling Russia into submission, scoring 3 goals in the 2nd half. They will now be wiping away the dust from that trophy cabinet that has only one other major international trophy so far.
Russia did not know what hit them as Spain dominated from start to finish and restricting Russia to a mere handful of chances. Spain had more chances to score but somehow they all failed to find the back of the net, thanks in part to the Russian goalkeeper, Akinfeev, who will have club scouts reporting with positive reviews.
The first half was goalless but it was not lacking in entertainment as Spain were simply breathtaking at times. The early injury to David Villa, perhaps a right thigh strain, after an innocuous free-kick allowed No. 10 Cesc Fabregas to take centre stage. The Arsenal man has been a peripheral figure in the competiton but he stepped up to rise to the occasion in this game, adding more vision and creativity to an already bright Spaniard team.
Russia looked like nothing to the side that ousted Holland recently and they were unable to match Spain's quality of football. Spain was like a bundle of joy and bustling with energy, not surprising considering the youthful attackers in the team.
When the floodgates finally opened 5 minutes into the 2nd half, it was for a deserved lead. Xavi started the move and he ended it, the Russian defence all at sea while he was left unmarked in the box.
Guiza then scored Spain's 2nd with a fine finish after starting the build-up to that play.
Silva put the whip on the ice-cream after getting involved in the build-up play to the final goal as he delightfully slotted the ball home.
All 3 goals had something in common, all the players that scored were involved in the build-up some way or another, and that is what makes Spain dangerous. The Spanish players are always available for the extra option and once it was taken up, that player will again be involved later on as the offensive play starts to produce something even more meaningful and dangerous. This adds unpredictability and caused problems for any opponents as the defence will be caught out and stranded.
Russia will be disappointed not to have got one over Spain but nevertheless their campaign has been a revelation. They may not have the big-match mentality, the Holland game was perhaps an exception, but they are getting there. Spain can now look to finally fulfil their potential as the squad's team morale and spirit has been exemplary, they look united for the cause and with blossoming young stars coupled with experienced wise heads, the sky is the limit. In Sunday's final, the cloud blocking that limit is Germany, but on current form, who is to deny Spain their shot at glory.
Russia did not know what hit them as Spain dominated from start to finish and restricting Russia to a mere handful of chances. Spain had more chances to score but somehow they all failed to find the back of the net, thanks in part to the Russian goalkeeper, Akinfeev, who will have club scouts reporting with positive reviews.
The first half was goalless but it was not lacking in entertainment as Spain were simply breathtaking at times. The early injury to David Villa, perhaps a right thigh strain, after an innocuous free-kick allowed No. 10 Cesc Fabregas to take centre stage. The Arsenal man has been a peripheral figure in the competiton but he stepped up to rise to the occasion in this game, adding more vision and creativity to an already bright Spaniard team.
Russia looked like nothing to the side that ousted Holland recently and they were unable to match Spain's quality of football. Spain was like a bundle of joy and bustling with energy, not surprising considering the youthful attackers in the team.
When the floodgates finally opened 5 minutes into the 2nd half, it was for a deserved lead. Xavi started the move and he ended it, the Russian defence all at sea while he was left unmarked in the box.
Guiza then scored Spain's 2nd with a fine finish after starting the build-up to that play.
Silva put the whip on the ice-cream after getting involved in the build-up play to the final goal as he delightfully slotted the ball home.
All 3 goals had something in common, all the players that scored were involved in the build-up some way or another, and that is what makes Spain dangerous. The Spanish players are always available for the extra option and once it was taken up, that player will again be involved later on as the offensive play starts to produce something even more meaningful and dangerous. This adds unpredictability and caused problems for any opponents as the defence will be caught out and stranded.
Russia will be disappointed not to have got one over Spain but nevertheless their campaign has been a revelation. They may not have the big-match mentality, the Holland game was perhaps an exception, but they are getting there. Spain can now look to finally fulfil their potential as the squad's team morale and spirit has been exemplary, they look united for the cause and with blossoming young stars coupled with experienced wise heads, the sky is the limit. In Sunday's final, the cloud blocking that limit is Germany, but on current form, who is to deny Spain their shot at glory.
akim - the Italian fan