Ruthless Spaniards prove too strong for Russia

By: patrick8

London
27 June 2008
patrick_noone@hotmail.co.uk

Could this finally be the year? The year that Spain, perennial under-achievers in major tournaments, break their jinx and triumph in Vienna? Triumph they did last night, making a mockery of Russia's improvement in this competition, as they inflicted a victory of the same margin as the meeting between the two sides in the opening group match.

It did not look as thought that would be the case at half-time, after a cagey first-half saw few openings for either side and Spain's top-scorer, David Villa, forced off with a hamstring injury that could see him miss the final on Sunday. Significantly for Spain though, Russia's main creative force, Andrei Arshavin, had been largely anonymous thanks to Marcos Senna marking him out of the game.

Spain's main threat throughout the first half had come from full-back Sergio Ramos' advances down the right wing, as well as the excellent craft and poise of Andres Iniesta. However, they were lacking an end product, with only one clear sight of goal - a Fernando Torres effort that was well stopped by goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

The match turned in the second half, however, thanks largely to the introduction of Cesc Fabregas, Villa's replacement. The Arsenal man seemed to give Spain more purpose in their attack, and the pressure finally told in the 50th minute. Iniesta cut in from the left-hand side and delivered a cute ball into the centre of the Russian penalty area that was met by his Barcelona team-mate, Xavi Hernandez, who poked the ball past Akinfeev for 1-0.

The opener knocked the stuffing out of Guus Hiddink's men and Spain, inspired by Fabregas and Iniesta, gained a further sense of dominance with their passing play. It was Fabregas who created the second for another substitute, Daniel Guiza, with a delightful flick using the outside of his foot, allowing Guiza to steal in behind the Russia defence and finish with a deft touch over the on-rushing Akinfeev.

It was now all Spain and a fine performance was capped by the goal of the game. Iniesta arrogantly played the ball down the left wing with the outside of his foot to Fabregas, who released the ball into the centre of the penalty are at the perfect moment to David Silva. The Valencia winger controlled the ball exquisitely before sliding his finish home.

Russia conjured one last threat at goal with their best chance of the match - a header from Dmitri Sychev kept out by a fine reaction save by Iker Casillas - but it would have been merely scant consolation had it been taken.

Luis Aragones, the Spain coach will know that if his side play as well as this on Sunday, they are sure to win their first meaningful silverware since 1964. The only negative to come from this performance was the injury to Villa, but in Fabregas it appears he has a ready made replacement.