June 26th, 2008 | 
Author: Russia take on Spain in the second semi-final in Vienna, with both sides hoping to be back in the Austrian capital on Sunday to take on Germany, who reached the final last night with a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Turkey. Tonight’s clash is a repeat of the opening group D game between the two sides just 16 days ago, when a stunning hat-trick from the tournament’s current top scorer, David Villa, set Spain on their way to a 4-1 win. However, Russia have bounced back admirably since then, inspired by returning playmaker Andrei Arshavin, and will be confident of giving Luis Aragones’s men a run for their money this time around.
Spain’s Euro 2008 campaign was kicked off in style, a 4-1 thumping of semifinal opponents Russia courtesy of a David Villa hattrick announcing their title credentials. The remaining two games were more cagey and somewhat lacking in excitement, but Spain completed their clean sweep and progressed to the quarters as group winners.
Russia’s campaign kicked off four days later in a tough game against Greece, where Hiddink’s men won 1-0 and that (coupled with Sweden’s defeat to Spain) kept them in the tournament. It’s fair to say that since then, Russia have improved as the tournament has progressed, taking apart both Sweden and then hot favourites Netherlands with ease.
The Russia Spain will meet is quite different from that of 2 weeks ago. Hiddink’s men have momentum and more importantly a confidence that they can win the Euros as long as they can keep playing to their potential.
Spain failed to impress much against Italy, although to be fair they were they better side throughout normal time. Against Spain all teams so far have sat back and closed ranks – which has led to two hard-fought 2-1 wins in the group stages and a penalties win over Italy. Russia will, like they did in the opening game, have a go at Spain and for that reason alone you might see an open and entertaining game.
Russia are a changed side (as teams become when infused with confidence) and their win over Netherlands – when they nullified the Dutch counter-attacking threat and poked holes in defence – was an education in football style. Spain are overall a better team than the Dutch and it will be interesting to see whether Hiddink modifies his team’s playing style to adapt to Spain’s pace threat or if he’ll push up regardless with a view to disturbing Spain’s passing rhythm.
The Russians have a weakness against the long-ball but when allowed space on the pitch the same players can pass, pass, pass and then smash a goal past you. It’ll be interesting to see if Spain will resort to hitting long balls and whether the Spanish midfield will be able to retain possession against Russia – because barring mistakes, everything comes down to Spain’s ability to play keep-ball and stay in control.
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