Euro 2008: Russia 0-3 Spain to the Final (Full Match Report and Video)
June 27th, 2008 at 08:11pm ibrahimo
Spain went in to this game favorites after progressing impressively from their group stage, and already beating Russia by four goals to one. The Russians, however, had impressed every one in their last three games, including two wins in their group stage, and beating favorites Holland in the quarter final.
Spain started off well, playing some good attacking football and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres looked a real threat, but so did Russian striker Pavlyuchenko, who has had a brilliant tournament, and was taking on three players on his own at times!
Russia stopped Spain from scoring with a five man defense, and were playing counter attacking football, which meant that the Russian forwards were very isolated because no one could keep up with the pace of their counter attacks, and, rather ironically, this included their own players!
The teams went in for their half time break with neither team really dominating, and there were few chances worth talking about. But Spain will be concerned with an injury David Villa picked up while taking a free kick, as this may put him out of Sunday’s final, should Spain get through.
In the second half, Spain tore Russia apart, scoring the first goal on the fiftieth minute after a quick break, and Xabi converted the phase of play in to a goal. Then, with seventeen minutes remaining, Spain doubled their lead through Daniel Guiza, after a simply amazing pass from Arsenal play maker Cesc Fabregas, and Russia looked unlikely to find a way back after that.
Spain’s victory was confirmed when David Silva scored with eight minutes remaining, again after a fabulous pass from Fabregas, meaning that Silva’s finish was simple.
Overall, a pretty uneventful first half, but in the second half Spain gained control of the game and Russia simply couldn’t handle them. Cesc Fabregas played brilliantly, and he has helped his Spanish side through to Sunday’s final, in which they will play against Germany.
Final Score:
Russia 0 – 3 Spain
Watch the three GOALS:
Entry Filed under: Euro 2008
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