Russia vs Spain

The second semi final saw a repeat of the Group D opener. Spain, very much the form team this tournament, taking on a Russia side, who after their opening game thrashing, have been a force to reckon with specially with playmaker Andrei Arshavin back in the side.

Luis Arrogones`s team was surely favourties to win this one on paper, but the form guide showed that this was anybody`s game.

It was the one time european champion that started the game better, and in the first 5 minutes Sergio Ramos could have headed his side ahead. The Real Madrid defender likes to run forward and almost scored when he was on the receiving end of a Xavi cross but just could not dive in time to meet the cross.

David Villa then playing a telling ball into the area which was received by Fernando Torres.  The Liverpool striker, maked by 2 defenders, spun around before shooting but it was stopped on the near post by Akinfeev.

Russia first real chance came in the 16th minute when they won a free kick almost 35 yards from goal. Roman Pavlyuchenko took it and went for goal, but the ball was just over the bar.

Andres Inesta had a good chance when the ball was played in to the Barcelona midfielder with his back to goal, and a good touch first touch that sets him up for the turn and the shot but  Iniesta slightly misjudges the effort and takes a swipe at thin air.

Arshavin, who has had a explosive tournament but a quite game so far, played a great bal into Pavlyuchenko which left Poyul dumbfounded. The Spartak Moscow stirker took a good shot but it curled just above the far post. The refree gave a goal kick but he russians were appealing for a conner and replays showed that Casillias got a fingertip to it which stretching to stop the ball from going into goal. 

A major problem for Arrogones, who will take over at Fenerbarce after the tournament, when top scorer David villa  had to be taken off. Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas came on in his place.

A goal less first half with lots of chances. The rain slowing down both sides. 

The second half started with Spain going in front just 5 minutes after kick off. Some great work from Great work from Iniesta as he cuts inside in the box and curls in a ball for Xavi to get a touch on the half volley to send his side into the lead. 

Spain had been playing some really good football and almost got their reward when David Silva`s run and cross from the left flank found Fernando Torres but the former Atletico Madrid man`s shot went wide of the post.

Cesc Fabregas played another wonderful ball for his premier league rival but Spain`s lone striker took to long to make up his mind on weather to head or kick and lost the ball in the process.

But it was only a matter of time before their lead was doubled. A long ball from Sergio Ramos fell onto Fabregas just outside the area and a cheeky flick found Daniel Guiza. The Real Mallorca man slotted home a clean finish, just like he did 27 times for his club in the Spanish La Liga. 

It looked like Spain would reach their first final in 24 years by then and Guus Hiddenk`s young team had their heads down. 

And 10 minutes later it was the icing on the cake for the Spanish. Fabregas, who had a brilliant match after coming on in the first half, playing a beautiful ball into the box for Silva. The Valencia winger had enough time to do what he wanted and he powerfully shot it into the bottom conner. Silva has been one of the outstanding players of this tournament and with his club side needing funds, major European teams will surely be in for a big money move for this young midfielder. 

And Spain finally broke the jinx and made a final of a major tournament for the first time since they lost 2-0 to France in 1984. As for Russia a brilliant tournament came to an end but they have certainly caught the eyes of many scouts across Europe and will be a strong contended for the World Cup in 2 years time.