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| Spain Proves Class Over Russia |
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| Written by Adeleke Afolayan | ||||||
| Friday, 27 June 2008 | ||||||
     Fernando Torres tested the Russian keeper twice in quick succession before strike partner David Villa forced Igor Akinfeev to another save from a free kick, from which Villa seemed to have injured himself as he limped off for Cesc Fabregas in the 34th minute. Villa will now miss the final. Following a goalless first half, the presence of Cesc Fabregas added the extra depth for total dominance by Spain over Russia who were heavily dependent on attacking midfield maestro Andrei Arshavin. Xavi however broke the Russian resistance in the 50th minute, sliding in to meet Andres Iniesta's cross shot. Afterwards, it was all Spain and it was no surprise that a second goal came with 18 minutes left to play. Substitute Daniel Guiza had beaten the offside trap and continued his run goalwards, a run met with a well timed, coolly lobbed pass from Fabregas, by the Mallorca striker to clinically slot past the onrushing Akinfeev. The result was then put beyond doubt in the 82nd minute when Fabregas again squared for Arsenal target David Silva to score his first goal of the Championship and set up a final clash with Germany come Sunday. Russia, and Guus Hiddink, simply had no answer for the rampant Spaniards who controlled the midfield with Fabregas, Xavi and Iniesta; leaving other creative midfielders Silva and Marcos Senna mere spectators. Spain is now one match away from winning a major tournament since 1964 when they won the European Cup.  Quote this article on your site | Views: 227 | Print | E-mail
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