Euro 2008: Russia vs. Spain (Matchday)

Good afternoon folks. Apologies for the delay in getting this post up but it's been a busy day.

Today marks the semifinal we've all been waiting for. Spain vs. Russia. Andrei Arshavin vs. Marcos Senna, Roman Pavlyuchenko vs. Carlos Puyol, Guus Hiddink vs. Luis Aragones.

There should be plenty of drama and plenty of skill in what should be a much better match-up than the first meeting between these teams in group play.

If you will be watching the action, or if you just need a place to follow along, please feel free to check in here and provide your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.

Enjoy the match.

Comments

[ManicMessiah]

Starting line-ups.

Russia:
1-Igor Akinfeev; 22-Aleksandr Anyukov, 2-Vasili Berezutski, 4-Sergei Ignashevich, 18-Yuri Zhirkov; 17-Konstantin Zyryanov, 11-Sergei Semak, 20-Igor Semshov, 9-Ivan Saenko; 10-Andrei Arshavin, 19-Roman Pavlyuchenko

Spain:
1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 5-Carles Puyol, 4-Carlos Marchena, 11-Joan Capdevila; 19-Marcos Senna; 6-Andres Iniesta, 8-Xavi, 21-David Silva; 7-David Villa, 9-Fernando Torres

No changes from Spain. Two changes for Russia, with Torbinski and Kolodin being suspended from yellow cards.

[eric]

And Spain comes out in yellow looking like the Crew. Are they sponsored by Glidden as well?

[ManicMessiah]

5th minute- Sergio Ramos dives in front of a crossed ball in his attacking zone, not quite getting on the other end of it. Good effort, though.

He's been lively going after the Russians so far. It will be interesting to see the battle between him and the Russian left back Zhirkov, who is also looking to go forward.

[ManicMessiah]

6th minute- Fernando Torres recieves a ball in from Villa on the right side of the penalty area. He tried to shoot first time, but a Russian defender got in the way, and by the time he turned around for another strike, the defense closed him down.

[eric]

6th - Torres can't find the ball under his feet after Villa puts him free inside the box with just the keeper ahead of him. All he can get off is an awkward shot, easily saved.

Oh, sorry. Andy Gray says Spain is wearing mustard.

[eric]

11th - Russia makes their first trip down, but nothing really comes of it. They look much calmer in the early going, though.

Villa rips one, just wide.

[ManicMessiah]

11th minute- Villa goes by his man and hits a shot from long range on the left, which the keeper stops without too much trouble.

[ManicMessiah]

13th minute- A Russian corer was played short, then floated in from the right where Ramos chested the ball back to Casillas.

[eric]

16th - Pavlyuchenko gets a free kick from 30 out, hits it hard but too high.

[ManicMessiah]

15th minute- Torres and and Ignashevich get tangled up in the box, and the call goes against Torres.

16th minute- Arshavin earns a free kick about 20 yards from the penalty area, near dead center.

Pavlyuchenko hit a shot that went about a foot high! It was a shot that looked dangerous at first sight, but never really troubled Casillas.

[Jerry]

Thanks Manic for the live play-by-play. You're the official play-by-play of EURO 2008 for SBI! Ives, can we get him a T-Shirt or something?

[ManicMessiah]

18th minute- Zhirkov gets forward for the first time in the match, but he was hounded by Ramos, and his ball went out for a goal kick.

[pat pug]

Anyone have a non 360 live feed of the game online? I was able to search and find one for the last game without being asked to download extra software, this time no luck.

[ManicMessiah]

20th minute- Spain has had the better of the play, but Russia hasn't played badly. It's been a pretty open game so far.

21st minute- Russia with a free kick from the right side of the field, about ten yards from the penalty area, but the crossed ball was headed away by Spain.

[ManicMessiah]

23rd minute- Russia play another corner short, which is knocked out for a throw, which does not result in anything.

[eric]

I'm still thrown off by Spain in yellow. I don't like it, and I'm not alone, apparently Luis Aragones has an aversion to the colour, refusing to accept yellow flowers when Spain arrived at Dortmund for the 2006 World Cup.

Personally, I think he should just play Cesc in whatever jerseys they are stuck with, and a more relevant point is the game is pretty dull so far. Oh wait, it's a big match, we're supposed to call it 'cagey' or something.

[ManicMessiah]

24th minute- Good play by a Russian defender to stop a streaking Torres from connecting onto a ball.

From the resulting throw in, Ramos hits a shot from the right side of the penalty area, a little bit out, which the keeper caught comfortably.

[ManicMessiah]

27th minute- Iniesta did well to chest the ball down on the left side of the area, his back to goal. He then completely whiffed on a turnaround shot.

I think Spain will have the same problems breaking down Russia as they did Italy, but Russia have more thrust in the attacking third, at least in this tournament.

[eric]

Xavi springs Ineista, but he 100% wiffs on the shot and the chance is gone.

I keep waiting for the Russians to really start playing, but Spain is steadily taking control.

[ManicMessiah]

29th minute- Zhirianov disposessed a Spanish player. The problem is he went through the player before that.

Free kick 10 or 15 yards from the area, near center. Villa hit it at goal, but right at the keeper.

Russia sprung with a counterattack, but it fizzled out.

It's raining really hard right now, and has been throughout the game.

[ManicMessiah]

31st minute- A great tackle from a Russian player in the attacking 3rd got the ball to Pavlyuchenko, who blasted a shot from just outside the area which went just wide!

[eric]

34th - Uh-oh

[ManicMessiah]

34th minute- Arshavin earns a throw in the attacking area. Villa is down right now, and Fabregas looks ready to come in.

Villa is out for Fabregas.

[ManicMessiah]

35th minute- Pavlyuchenko gets a long ball into the box, and Pavlyuchenko gets the ball between 2 defenders. They recover, and bother Pavlyuchenko just enough into forcing a shot wide! It was poor plain from the Spanish.

[eric]

In between subs, Russia nearly catch Spain sulking and Pavlyuchenko almost steals one. 2 good chances in a row for Russia.

[Fireball]

Must be nice to be able to take out the tournament goal leader and replace him with the Cesc Fabregas show.

[ManicMessiah]

37th minute- Ramos was 1 v 1 with Zhirkov. Ramos turned him around a couple of times, before taking a shot from the top right edge of the penalty area, which went wide.

Ramos has dominated Zhirkov tonight, who has been one of the more impressive players in the tournament.

[ManicMessiah]

39th minute- Torres did very well to take the ball down on the right side of the penalty area, but he could only manage a weak effort on goal.

[ManicMessiah]

41st minute- Torres tries to juke a Berezutski on the right flank 1 v 1, but he stays calm and disposesses him.

[ManicMessiah]

42nd minute- Ramos makes a run into the Russian half, then sends a ball into Torres, but he loses track of the ball just as he was passing the defender.

[eric]

Spain knocking it around with confidence before Cesc makes a dumb pass. Russia race down, and Ramos races back with it.

Ramos has done great with the runs, but not much for either shots or passes. Plus, as he gets forward more, I wonder if that opens it up for Russia's offensive players.

44th

[ManicMessiah]

45th minute- Torres was just tackled to the ground by a Russian defender. Spain with a free kick from the left side of the field, very far out.

The ball was a poor one, put straight to the keeper who bobbled slightly but held on to it.

[ManicMessiah]

45+ minute- Puyol and Arshavin knock heads going after the same ball, but they are fine.

HALFTIME

[ManicMessiah]

Spain has had the better of the chances but hasn't scored. With Villa out, and Torres not looking all that great this entire tournament, I'm not sure where the goal is coming from.

As for Russia, they've had a couple of good chances, but have not shown the form they had against the Netherlands. Arshavin needs to have more of an impact, but the player that really needs to step up is Zhirkov, who is being demolished by Ramos.

[ManicMessiah]

2nd half begins

46th minute- Ramos sent in a long ball which was in the area of a streaking Silva, but the goalkeeper caught it.

[ManicMessiah]

48th minute-Fabregas fouls Zhirianov, and Zhirianov loses a boot in the process.

49th minute- Ramos again making a run down the right side, receives a good pass, and crosses the ball into a dangerous area, though no one got onto it.

The Russians came back on the counterattack, and nearly got a chance on a 1-2 play.

[ManicMessiah]

50th minute- GOAL SPAIN!!!

[ManicMessiah]

Iniesta got the ball on the left flank, and either hit a cross or a shot, with was hit by a rushing Xavi who deflected the ball with a raised boot and into the net! 1-0 Spain.

[ManicMessiah]

52nd minute- Torres received the ball on the top left corner of the penalty area, and shot it just a bit high!

Spain look like they're building on the confidence of that first goal.

[eric]

Xavi's goal was very Michael Bradley in Holland-esque, he just continued his run and found himself in front of the goal with a chance to hammer a wayward ball home.

Torres has a rip now! Just high.

53rd

[Casey C.]

Cesc goes to his knees clutching his face from the wind created by a phantom kick to the face.

Boo.

[eric]

Worth nothing that Xavi started with the ball deep in the midfield, passed it off, and just kept running down the field. The Soccer Gods smile upon such running.

[ManicMessiah]

55th minute- Silva nearly gets a great return pass to put him into a dangerous position on the left side of the penalty area, but the pass was just slightly off.

[ManicMessiah]

57th minute- Russia are making a change, with Semshov coming off from Bilyaletdinov. I have not been looking forward to typing that name.

Russia are also changing Saenko for Sychev, and Zhirkov was booked for a challenge.

The Russian keeper does well to clear a ball in, just feet ahead of a streaking Spanish player!

[eric]

Spain are firing on all cylinders, Russia needs to weather this only down a goal.

I'd say this is further proof that Spain are indeed best with Fabregas, as well.

[Casey C.]

lol MM, I think the announcers said the same thing.

[Casey C.]

Russia are on their heels, big time.

[ManicMessiah]

60th minute- Bilyaletdinov booked for a late challenge on Ramos. The free kick was taken from long distance, but played short rather than a cross in the area.

Spain nearly get a great scoring chance, as Iniesta got a great ball on the right side of the area, which the keeper did well to stop.

Torres hit a shot on the left side of the area, but was under pressure and the shot went wide.

Spain is dominating right now.

[eric]

63rd - Ouch! Torres can't decide if he's gonna head it into the goal or kick it, so instead knees it over the touchline.

[ManicMessiah]

63rd minute- Ramos played in a beautiful ball from the right into the area. Torres beat his man, but couldn't get onto the ball and the chance glanced off his shoulder/arm and away! If Torres is on form he buries that, no question.

[eric]

Dangerous Russian free kick...

[ManicMessiah]

64th minute- Sychev gets a ball played into him, and was taken down for a free kick in a good position, left of center and about 10 yards from the penalty area. Zhirkov took it but hit it into the wall.

[eric]

67th - Even from the bench, David Villa's transfer price is going up with each misfire from Torres.

[ManicMessiah]

68th minute- Torres was making a run into the penalty area, and Zhirkov made a stop that saved Russia! Brilliant tackle by Zhirkov.

Guiza and Xabi Alonso for Torres and Xavi.

[eric]

On cue, Torres is stripped from behind in the box on a daring tackle by Zhirkov. Great tackle, great no call.

[ManicMessiah]

70th minute- Fabregas hits a shot from distance, and the Russian keeper is forced to make a sprawling save at the top of the net.

Alonso hits a shot from distance moments later which tyhe keeper punches away.

[eric]

71st - As subs walk onto the pitch, Cesc tries to steal a goal with a blistering effort touched over for a corner. They take it short and Alonzo takes a whack.

[ManicMessiah]

71st minute- Russia needs to start working from the right, as they've gotten nothing from the left flank all game.

[ManicMessiah]

73rd minute- GOAL SPAIN!!!

[eric]

73rd - Guiza scores! And does Blanco's goal celebration!

[ManicMessiah]

Brilliant counterattack from Spain. Ramos feeds it to Fabregas, who flips a ball at the top of the area to Guiza, who slipped behind the defense, chested down the ball, then turned and finished!!

Beautiful play, 2-0 Spain!

[eric]

Fabregas with a sweet, sweet one touch to loop the ball into the box. Maybe he saw David Silva, maybe Guiza, but Silva is crowded out by the defender but Guiza beats his man to the ball and hits a deft lob over the keeper.

[ManicMessiah]

77th minute- Arshavin attempted to play a through ball, but was intercepted. Arshavin has been almost invisible tonight.

[ManicMessiah]

78th minute- Iniesta hits a long ball on the ground to Guiza, which was knocked out by a defender for a corner, but nothing came of it.

[eric]

I guess you hire Gus Hiddink to get you to the semi-finals, but it looks like his current team is crapping out there again.

Where was the team that had to out-attack Holland to survive?

[ManicMessiah]

82nd minute- GOAL SPAIN!!!!

[eric]

3-0!

Xavi to Fabregas to Silva. Magic.

[ManicMessiah]

Russia burned on the counter again. A long ball was played into Fabregas, who slid the ball along to Silva who was streaking in the center of the penalty area, and he put away the chance!!!

3-0 Spain!

[DCM]

Game over

Silva scores in the 82' to put Spain up 3-0.

[eric]

Xavi - Alonzo, that is (Say it in your best Beverly Hillbillies voice)

[ManicMessiah]

86th minute- Based on his play tonight, I think Fabregas must start in the final for Spain.

[ManicMessiah]

87th minute- I don't think Russia has had a half-decent scoring chance this half.

[eric]

MM challenges the gods, and they nearly deliver a Russian strike off a header, but Casillas has too much pride to give up a cheapie.

[ManicMessiah]

88th minute- Ramos concedes a free kick on the right, wich Russia played short, and leading to a header from close range that Casillas does well to save!

Very poor making by Spain, who won't want that to happen against the Germans.

Spain nearly score on the break, but the keeper comes out to stop the shot!

[ManicMessiah]

92nd minute- Russia with 1 chance left, and a short spell of posession end with Sychev pushing a shot wide.

And moments later, there's the whistle!

FULL TIME

[ISaac]

So , is anyone surprised by this result? i thought Russia would at least get one goal...wasn't expecting it to be close at all though..sounds like a good final.Spain vs Germany...good stuff....

[eric]

I don't know if I'm more disappointed by Arshavin or Hiddink's game plan, but they were both way too subdued.

Fabregas must start in the final, which will be a monster. Hope Villa is ok, especially with Torres delivering a Chad Barrett-like performance.

[Mark]

Holy empanada, the Spaniards have done it!

[Thom]

I know everyone gets a woody for technically beautiful football but today's game is a perfect example of why I will, as a viewer, take a fast, powerful,slightly less technical EPL type match over techinically perfect football any day vs., for example, the spanish natonal side. It is bores me to tears. No wonder Torres looks bad at the Euros- his style is much more suited to the Germans or any top EPL club and so is my viewing prefrence.

I hope Germany runs at them hard for 90 because unless Senna, Spains best player beside Castillas in my opinion, dominates midfield possesion and closes all passing lanes Spain will be crying on Sunday like so many times before.

tap tap tap---poof tap tap tap---poof

[Yurch]

Is Barry Bonds in Switzerland/Austria...cause if not, why is Pedro Gomez there for ESPN??

Great game from Spain today. Germany is in trouble

[ManicMessiah]

Spain deserved to win on the night. Russia, outside of a few isolated moments, did nothing the whole night. Sergio Ramos, who was my MotM, added thrust to the attack on the right, and completely shut down the left flank for Russia. Arshavin was invisible, and Zhirkov, who I thought would have a big match, was completely locked down.

Still, Spain squandered a lot of chances in and around the area, and have shown a lack of finishing in the last couple of games, despite the 3 goals tonight. They will face a much stiffer test in the Germans, and I expect the Germans to take the trophy (then again, I expected the Russians to beat Spain, and the Italians).

[Thom]

Oh by the way....what the hell was wrong with Russia tonight? The played with the energy and effort of an over 50 pub team after a night of hard drinking. They simply played with no joy or passion whatsoever. I guessed they watched Turkey yesterday and Gus said," ok boys, our game plan is to do the exact opposite".

As for my comments above...as much as I hate their style I am smart enough to know Spain is the best collection of talent at this Euro by far.

[Charlie N.]

Stock up--Fabregas
Stock down--Arshavin

[DeLarge]

As much as Spain looked great out there, the Germans will close up that space in the middle, and Lahm will clamp down on Sergio Ramos.

It will be a tight game, but the Germans will outmuscle the Spanish. I just don't see it any other way.

[Thom]

DeLarge - I completely agree you except for one thing that could prevent Gemany from winning:

Jens Lehmann - he is the x factor that could let Spain win because he is train wreck looking for a place to happen.

[vipero]

Spain in final... what a shame. such a poor playing team arrived there, when many others deserved it better...
the uefa should find a solution where only good playing teams go aehad, despite the results.

[Peter Bering]

"Thom" (at 4:57) obviously has no clue about football, yet later boasts about "being smart enough...". Pathetic, really.

Spain played a smart match and a cracking 2nd half with top attacking as well as defending. The goals were very good, the second one a sublime effort from the very top drawer (Fabregas!).

The final is 50-50. Spain has better players, but Germany are sometimes capable of raising their game for big occasions. And they have 4 instead of 3 days to prepare. I certainly will be cheering for Spain.

[Peter Bering]

vipero at 4:55 is a sad case. Perhaps he follows drag racing or -queens. At the most: softball.

[Neil B.]

I have no idea where all this German love is coming from, especially the infatuation with their style of play. Maybe you like the fact that they just get the job done (which they definitely deserve credit for), but in all honesty they got seriously outplayed by Turkey on Wednesday. Where was Ballack? Ugur Boral and Kazim Kazim were running rampant in the first half. Everyone remembers Lahm's great finish but do they remember him getting skinned by Sabri? What on earth were Metzelder and Mertesacker doing all game? They looked completely lost whenever balls were floated into the area. The Germans won because an opportunistic Klose capitalized on a Rustu blunder (apparently he didn't want Lehmann to outdo him in that department) and because Schweinsteiger was all over the pitch and produced a wonderful finish from the Podolski cross.

Meanwhile, the Spanish defense looks as solid as ever (Sergio Ramos has been much better the last two matches than he was in the group stages, and Puyol was a rock against Russia). Senna marked Arshavin into oblivion - let's see if he can do the same thing to Ballack (who got Mehmet Aurelio'ed out of the semifinal). And Xavi/Silva/Cesc/Iniesta were absolutely brilliant on Thursday. If those four can perform the same way against Germany on Sunday, you can kiss goodbye to the Spanish curse.