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Well, another match between Spain and Russia and another three-goal margin of victory. Back in the group stages you might remember Spain going through a naïve Russian side like a buzz saw to the tune of 4-1. Tonight’s 3-0 was perhaps a little less spectacular but no less definitive.

The rain dampened the affair (no pun intended) as the Spanish were clearly struggling to kick the game into gear with the slick surface. No one could quite get their footing or weigh the passes correctly, and the first half was nothing to write home about. Russia had far fewer, but better, chances whereas the Spanish passed the ball as nicely as ever but increasingly ran out of ideas around the penalty area. Their long-range shooting has been off all tournament and that didn’t change tonight.

The Russians looked a bit timid tonight, and you’d have thought that they would have had a real go a la the Turks last night, but I think the hiding they got earlier must have been a deep psychological blow because they never looked threatening. Xavi’s brilliant opener paved the way for a second half of Spanish dominance. 4-0 or 5-0 always looked more likely than 2-1 or 3-2 as the Russians just didn’t seem to have any umph, and you need that you know. Güiza’s delicate goal was delightful as well Silva’s control in the final goal, and for people who haven’t played soccer it’s hard to describe just how hard it is to do what these fellas make look so easy.

Where next? The final against Germany of course, which should be cracker. This one didn’t live up to the hype and expect the final to be more of a chess match than a track meet, but the Spanish haven’t done well against crosses (which the Germans have excelled at) and the Germans haven’t coped well with fast passing through the midfield (which the Spanish have been doing for two weeks now). My prediction: there will be goals. That’s it. I’ll be deliriously happy if Spain wins of course, but Germany would be a worthy champion too. Like I said to a friend after the game, the final is going to come down to who plays better on the day. Neither defense has to be comfortable looking at the opposition’s scoring threats and I just can’t see this being a conservative 0-0 draw with extra time and penalties (knocking on wood).

Either way, this has been a fantastic tournament and I will be quite sad for it to end.

Current Mood: Contemplating the End |