Euro 2008 Semifinal Wrap: Spain v Russia

Everyone expected a vastly different game from the first encounter, but it was damn near the same thing right down to the scoreline and weather conditions. And like the first game, Andrei Arshavin, supposedly the biggest difference maker, was nowhere to be found.

Now we have a proper final between two big teams with vastly different histories: Spain is essentially the “Finals Cinderella”, having little winning tradition to speak of, while Germany has 3 European cups along with their 3 stars.

Summary and links after the jump.

SEMI-FINAL 2	June 26th, 2045 CET, Vienna (Austria)
Spain 3 VS Russia 0 Xavi 55′, Guiza 73′, Silva 82′

It’s hard to come to any other conclusion but Spain being much better than Russia, but you could also say both three goal differentials were a little bit generous. Spain’s second and third goals came when Russia was pushing forward for an equalizer, and no one, much less a team whose Achilles is considered the back line, can defend against Spain in numbers with men forward.

The first half wasn’t exactly what we’d hoped from the two attacking/counterattacking giants. In fact, I’m not really sure there were any real scoring chances. Fernando Torres perhaps had the best chance from 10 or so yards but weakly put a shot into the awaiting arms of Igor Akinfeev who, again, didn’t deserve the score sheet. Hard to stop 1v1’s and flying Spaniards. Russia forced one whole save all game from Iker Casillas, so they didn’t really bring anything. All in all, a disappointing first half.

But Spain did what they do and attacked the openings in the Russian defense, with each goal brilliantly setup, requiring just a solid finish - well, except for Xavi’s goal, and feel free to debate whether that was a shot or a pass by Iniesta amongst yourselves (if that’s a pass, I’ll paint your house). Special mention to Xavi’s steaming run into the middle of the box. That was a run and finish worthy of a standing ovation, regardless of Iniesta’s intent.

By the time the Guiza’s goal had been scored, it was pretty clear with Russia becoming a bit more daring and failing each time, a Spanish goal was inevitable if Russia couldn’t tie it up quickly. Perhaps the biggest difference between Russia v Netherlands and Spain v Russia: Spain has ice in their vines finishers and Russia simply doesn’t, for all their attacking skill. Guiza is billed as your prototypical finisher and after receiving a beauty of a lollipop from Cesc, he put the ball where clinical finishers put them.

Third goal was more of the same, with another gorgeous ball from Cesc, who is looking like he deserves a start for the final, finding the awaiting David Silva in front of the net. Not sure it would’ve made a difference considering the brick wall performance of Spain’s defense, but Russia sorely missed Denis Kolodin today. Maybe there’s something to be said for wiping out yellows after the group stages, as well. It’s about the best XI from each country, right?

One thing which stuck out more than anything today was Spain’s defense. Iker Casillas could’ve painted a masterpiece and fathered a family of four in his downtime during the game today. That was down to the back four in front of him an the indirect defensive quality of keeping possession (Senna, Cesc, Xavi and Iniesta? yeah they can keep it). When a keeper as good as Iker has to make one somewhat difficult save all day, when it’s 3-0 no less, you have an enormous luxury and winning formula.

Despite the goals, the MOTM came from that defense in the form of Sergio Ramos. Hasn’t exactly had the greatest of tournaments, but everyone knows he’s one of the best defenders in the world and he showed it today. Yuri Zhirkov, one of the revelations of the tournament, was absolutely bossed all day, and once Sergio was done, he flew down the pitch to make life for Igor Akinfeev and his defense nightmarish. Ever dangerous on the attack, unrelenting on the defensive end. What more can you ask for?

The bad news for Spain is their leading goal scorer David Villa sustained a first half injury and will miss the final. Aragones will have some thinking to do before Sunday, but both Cesc and Dani Guiza proved themselves worthy candidates to replace him against Germany.

Easily the most disappointing performance came from Arshavin, whose number of touches could probably be counted on two hands. Completely negated by Spain, there were perhaps one of two real chances for him to work his magic, but he ended up trying to do a bit too much. Today wasn’t his day, but still a high quality player who can surely get it done on the big stage (UEFA Cup, Netherlands, Sweden, etc.). A big club is going to be very happy next season.

As for the rest of Russia, this tournament is a massive success despite the loss today. They have the youngest team in the tournament and, most importantly, have Guus Hiddink as a coach of a talented outfit for the next two years. Another two years of growth, maturity and cohesion will likely initiate a new world power in 2010. This team is for real, just inexperienced.

For Spain…Germany’s waiting.