Spain sparkles again and reaches its first final in 44 years.
adminWritten by Angela Asante
What a pity for Russia! Spain was just too good last night.
Despite the heavy rain, Luis Aragones’ side managed to display a mature and excellent performance. The first half was goalless, which left the Spanish coach anxious about what could happen. Torres struggled to find the net and really wasn’t as his best. As for Villa, he was hit by a foot injury and had to be substituted for Fabregas.
As things went right at the back for Spain with Sergio Ramos who defended outstandingly, they concentrated on breaking the dead lock.
At the 50th minute, Iniesta’s cross found Xavi who fired the ball through the Russian goal keeper’s legs to give his side a deserved lead.
With Silva being creative in midfield and playmaker Fabregas, it seemed like Spain had found the keys to open the doors of the Russian defence.
Substitute D. Guiza doubled the lead with less than 20 minutes to go when he looped the ball into the net after Fabregas had made a clever pass. The Russian keeper thought the goal was offside but he was wrong. Russian fans understood it was certainly all over for them but they kept praying for a miracle. But Spain’s game plan tired their opponents and even Arshavin could not make a revolution.
Russia’s hopes were completely destroyed when Silva, at last, got his first goal of the tournament.
3 – 0 to Spain and they will meet Germany in their first final of a major tournament since 1964.
Angela Asante
Euro2008TV Writer
