Semi-Final: Spain - Russia

[Saraj Fanatico]

Spain is going head to head with Russia. This is goign to be perhaps the best game of the Tournament. Both teams love to attack, no defensive play. Its going to be interesting!

I say that it will be 2-1 and Spain in the final.

[Deen]

I'd love to see RUSSIA 4:1 SPAIN, but I expect a 2:1 Win for Russia is more likely.

Spain seems to be playing at the same high level that they did in the group stage, but Russia is playing better and better since their loss to Spain.

A second loss to Spain now would be unthinkable to the Russian team, they simply do not even consider that an option.

Spain, on the other hand, cannot close their eyes on the improvement the Russian team has made since their meeting and the complete defeat of the Dutch, who in turn completely defeated Italy. On a mental level the Russian team is going to be overwhelming, and I will see them blow Spain away.

[Raul_Madrid]

First game was a 4-1 win for spain... now if looks like russia are playing better...so i say 2-1 win for spain.

[PAO_HELLAS]

Go Россия! :D

[newcastlefan000]

Spain beat Russia 4-1, and they'll do 2-1 this time. Hiddink will find a strategy against Spain but Aragones will counter that and they'll win 2-1... hardly though

third place match Russia 1-1 Turkey, Turkey wins it on penalties

[Saraj Fanatico]

there is a third place match? I didn't hear anything of it.

[Elicea]

I say 2-0 Spain

[LostHorizon]

Russia will def score. prob be 3-1 or 2-1 to Spain

[Deen]

how slow is everyone to come out of the idea that Russian teams are the losing side.
If this was a Netherlands-Spain game, would you be as certain of a Spanish victory?
So why be so sure of a victory against a team which outplayed the Netherlands?
Does not matter, I guess Spain are next to be surprised.

[LostHorizon]

If you think Russia is the favourite to win the semi matchup, then I've got nothing more to say. That being said, favourites don't mean much in this tourney.

Regardless, this may possibly be the best match in the tournament. After the way Russia handled Holland, I don't think Spain is going to take them for granted.

[binary0x01]

It's strange but, the trend seems to be that every team that Russia dominates, just had a bad day... at this level, that's just horseshit.

[MasterminD]

Russia is going to kick Spain's ass now. Aragones is using Guiza and he did not take his best player Raul, I dont know but this old man seems to be stupid. This guy Guiza should go to play golf because he knows nothing about football. If Spain plays like yesterday they will lose with more than 3 goals. Russia - Germany at the final, and the final will be the same like Zenit - Bayern 4-0.

[Deen]

If you think Russia is the favourite to win the semi matchup, then I've got nothing more to say. That being said, favourites don't mean much in this tourney.

Regardless, this may possibly be the best match in the tournament. After the way Russia handled Holland, I don't think Spain is going to take them for granted.

I would not say Russia is the favorite based on the history of matches between these two teams, just like Spain was not a favorite to beat Italy.
If Spain outplays Russia the way they did in the first match I will congratulate them on a great victory and wish them best of luck in the final. However I just feel that the Russian team has now gotten too good to be dominated by anyone and I expect them to defeat Spain.

[Neonite]

Guys, It's not that Russia can beat anybody now. They played excellent against against Sweden and Holland, but mainly because those teams played pathetic.

But still, Russia did an excellent job.
I hope this becomes a 2-1 victory for Russia.

-Neon

[COMEGATOS]

This is a completly shocking semi final...never gave anything for any of this teams!!....man I say Russia and Hiddink will kill Spain 2-0 :D

[Neonite]

B-rabbit. You an aussie? :ronaldo:

[Brenneka]

Russians will get their revenge :)

[Syro_spa]

Russia is going to kick Spain's ass now.
I dont think so, now players are so confident, and Spain is gonna make real football vs Russia.


Aragones is using Guiza and he did not take his best player Raul, I dont know but this old man seems to be stupid. This guy Guiza should go to play golf because he knows nothing about football.
The only one that doesn´t know about football around here is you... Numbers say Luis Aragonés is the best spanish coach of history. And numbers say too that Daniel Guiza is Spanish league "pichichi" (27 goals) and silver boot of europe (just behind C. Ronaldo as you must know). ¿Raul? Just a spanish player that has never been in semifinals...


If Spain plays like yesterday they will lose with more than 3 goals. Russia - Germany at the final, and the final will be the same like Zenit - Bayern 4-0.
OK, now I can see you dont know anything about football...

[COMEGATOS]

B-rabbit. You an aussie? :ronaldo:

Hahaha, nope, why u ask? :p

[Italianduke]

It's written Spain will get their revenge on Hiddink after 2002 like we did in 2006 .

[Neonite]

Hahaha, nope, why u ask? :p

Just a thought! :ronaldo:

[LostHorizon]

You can't really say the Russians outplayed their opponents, cos that only applies when their opponents were actually playing.

The more I watch highlights of Arshavin, the more it reminds me of a young Del Piero. Simply amazing! If he was still 23/24, he'd be worth truck loads.

[RonDeco]

This is the best Spain NT of the last year. I think and i wish they win the cup.
Against Russia, with an open game, the result can be 3-1.

[MasterminD]

I dont think so, now players are so confident, and Spain is gonna make real football vs Russia.


The only one that doesn´t know about football around here is you... Numbers say Luis Aragonés is the best spanish coach of history. And numbers say too that Daniel Guiza is Spanish league "pichichi" (27 goals) and silver boot of europe (just behind C. Ronaldo as you must know). ¿Raul? Just a spanish player that has never been in semifinals...

OK, now I can see you dont know anything about football...

1stly Guiza the whole year played against unknown Osasuna-Getafe style clubs. 2ndly Raul scored 4 goals in the CHL, 3rdly Raul won a Champions league 3 times and been in places Guiza cant even imagine. All these proves me that he has a greatest personality than this guy Guiza.. U can compare the 2 teams Russia and Spain by watching the last 2 games, Russia dominated against Holland and Spain played the most boring football in Euro 2008. Am i wrong ? It seems to me that u havent the slightest idea about football.


At least I remember my country winning a european championship, and I doubt u werent born when Spain won a euro.

[Serg]

It's strange but, the trend seems to be that every team that Russia dominates, just had a bad day... at this level, that's just horseshit.

We'll make a bad day for Spain, too.

[Sebastian]

Russia is going to kick Spain's ass now. Aragones is using Guiza and he did not take his best player Raul, I dont know but this old man seems to be stupid. This guy Guiza should go to play golf because he knows nothing about football. If Spain plays like yesterday they will lose with more than 3 goals. Russia - Germany at the final, and the final will be the same like Zenit - Bayern 4-0.

Correct,as far is Arragones concerned...Spain isnt better then Holland...No way...Now of course Hiddink knows the Dutch football,but they had a brilliant coach Van Batsen him self...Still Arragones is nowhere near Hiddink...

I would be really surprised if Spain beats Russia...Italy could've punish the Spanish bad coordination,but Toni was too sterile...I doubt that the Russians will have troubles with that...They will probably have 50 clear goal chances,like with everyone they play and score two or three goals...

Hiddink is a master mind and he deserves his first award...but Spain has lot better individuals and they can close the match...

[Anaximander]

I think Spain can and should win.
The Dutch's lethargic defence was badly exposed by Russia's pace and I don't think Spain will struggle as much because their back four seems more solid.

[zampao]

this semifinal game will be totally diffirent from that in group stage...

Spain may be favorite to win but i have the feeling that Russia is really able to make a new surprise&pass to the final...

Good luck to both teams....

i'm sure we will watch an enjoyable game...

[nelly]

The way Russia are playing they could beat anyone right now, and I am starting to think that they have the better squad also. However if Spain can re-produce the form they showed in the first game then it will be a great match. However I don't see Spain playing so well again.

I think Russia will win as they are in devastating form.

I think Spain should start with Fabregas I think he was very good agianst Italy, and Spain looked a much more composed team whilst he was playing.
(I don't think he will start)

I think Russia will win 2-1

[Sebastian]

I think Spain can and should win.
The Dutch's lethargic defence was badly exposed by Russia's pace and I don't think Spain will struggle as much because their back four seems more solid.

Spanish defense struggled heavily even with a static and a useless forward like Toni...Can you imagine them with the Hyper fast and technical Russian forwards and mid fielders????
Spain showed nothing against Italy(but more then Italy it self)so that Hiddink should be worried...

They arent as fluid as they want to be,at least not like the Russians...

+ i dont think that Spain can bounce back if they are a goal behind...They won all the matches,but we didnt saw how they behave if they are chasing the result...If Russia scores first,then these will be in to a serious trouble...

[Vic]

2-1 Russia. Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko.

[fenerfan]

i see russia winnig this one, they play much better since their first metting.

[Syro_spa]

Ok guys... This is my point of view:

Spain way of playing against Italy was counteratack, that´s why passing wasn´t so fluid as in other games. Ramos and Capdevila didn´t go up in any time cause that reason. Italy played defence as always... and I think they are the best of the world doing that and just atacking with 2 or 3 players that can make really damage. They also are so dangerous in free kicks, but yesterday they were unlucky. Maybe Spain should have gone on atack to win before extra time, or maybe not, but we can say we are in semifinals right now thanks to Casillas.

Now, Russia has revitaliced their play thanks to Arshavin, a great player (he demostrated it in uefa cup this year), but men, he is not the best of the world... He would be near to perfection if he repeats the match against Netherlands, but that would be really improbable with defenders like Puyol or Marchena. In adition, they wont have players like Kolodin (best of defenders) or Torbinski (he is on the top 5 in speed statistics), as they have a several influence on their play. I´m happy Spain can continue with the same starting 11 since begining, and that is a life insurance.

As I always say, each game is a different world, it depends on many factors, but I can assure this is gonna be a spectacular game, very entertained for the spectator, so I just can say:

http://www.as.com/prom/200806/pro_photo1214240849.jpg

:yo:

[plato-ny]

I'll be rooting for Russia but I think Spain will take this one.

[Deen]

Now, Russia has revitaliced their play thanks to Arshavin, a great player (he demostrated it in uefa cup this year), but men, he is not the best of the world...

I dare to disagree :)
(high-quality version avalible on youtube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIRxxurh0xg

he is the best at this EURO2008.
Also Zidane singled him out.
"As one of the most world's foremost creative talents it is not surprising that Zidane – in Vienna to hold a coaching clinic for children as part of his role as an adidas ambassador – focuses mainly on the more aesthetic side of the game, with one player in particular catching his eye. "In the game [against the Netherlands] the Russia No10, [Andrei] Arshavin, impressed many of us. Everything he does is surprising. He is very young and it's his first major tournament so to be able to play the way he does is surprising enough to talk about."

[binary0x01]

Dude this guy is sick.

Sick speed on those runs down left side at the same time insane ball control at top flight.

Great shot, good penalty kicks and top end passing.

All around sick skills.

[binary0x01]

If we also had Pogrebnyak and Denisov we'd be rolling teams with those scores everyone mentions we should have had.

[zampao]

i see russia winnig this one, they play much better since their first metting.

if this occurs i hope that in the final Russia meets Turkey so that the final to be that of the surprise teams of this euro...;)

[Saraj Fanatico]

Thats one ugly talented Russian dude. Why did it take so long for him to pop up? Weird he is in his late 20's. I still believe he will go to a pretty huge club after Euro 2008. He reminds me of Ribery in some ways.

[binary0x01]

Mmmm... nah, Ribery on his best day couldn't hold a candle to Arshavin.

[realmadrid289]

3-0

Torres 2
xavi 1

[LostHorizon]

Arshavin def up there with the best of them, but the best? Not sure about that.

[realmadrid289]

Ok guys... This is my point of view:

Spain way of playing against Italy was counteratack, that´s why passing wasn´t so fluid as in other games. Ramos and Capdevila didn´t go up in any time cause that reason. Italy played defence as always... and I think they are the best of the world doing that and just atacking with 2 or 3 players that can make really damage. They also are so dangerous in free kicks, but yesterday they were unlucky. Maybe Spain should have gone on atack to win before extra time, or maybe not, but we can say we are in semifinals right now thanks to Casillas.

Now, Russia has revitaliced their play thanks to Arshavin, a great player (he demostrated it in uefa cup this year), but men, he is not the best of the world... He would be near to perfection if he repeats the match against Netherlands, but that would be really improbable with defenders like Puyol or Marchena. In adition, they wont have players like Kolodin (best of defenders) or Torbinski (he is on the top 5 in speed statistics), as they have a several influence on their play. I´m happy Spain can continue with the same starting 11 since begining, and that is a life insurance.

As I always say, each game is a different world, it depends on many factors, but I can assure this is gonna be a spectacular game, very entertained for the spectator, so I just can say:

http://www.as.com/prom/200806/pro_photo1214240849.jpg

:yo:

but how come italy were defending and spain were playing on counter attacks!!

[Syro_spa]

Lol! Are we guys crazy?? Best of the world??? Dont make me laugh... There are some players called Leo Messi, Kun Aguero, Cristiano Ronaldo, and many more that really make the difference. And they do it in Champions League, La Liga or Premier League. Arshavin is just a very talented player that plays in Russian League, and UEFA Cup... I would like to see him in most important competitions.

[Raul_Madrid]

you guys are hyping him too much. im sure he will be a no show like in the first game against spain.

[Syro_spa]

you guys are hyping him too much. im sure he will be a no show like in the first game against spain.

The problem is that he didnt play against Spain xD

[MasterminD]

I think Hiddink will be prepared, and will make a great defensive line, on the other hand Spain doesnt seem capable of handling the Russian pressure. If Russia lose, it will be a disaster for football........

[Sebastian]

I think Hiddink will be prepared, and will make a great defensive line, on the other hand Spain doesnt seem capable of handling the Russian pressure. If Russia lose, it will be a disaster for football........

I agree...Still it wont be a disaster as many people hope Spain will win...Whenever someone enters their penalty area they start to panic...This was evident against Italy,Doni never realized to substitute that slacker Toni with someone else and they were still in panic...

Hiddink said him self that Italy would have been lot easier to beat and he is right...At least Torres is a like a missile and everyone knows that Doni would have played with Toni anyway...

[Sebastian]

you guys are hyping him too much. im sure he will be a no show like in the first game against spain.

This is the elimination phase...Spain was not recognizable against Italy,when compared with Spain in the groups...

[~zero_signal~]

Russia has been the one team that has improved steadily since the first match. This has been largely due to all of the desired things falling into place -- the Russian players have grown in confidence after each game; they have corrected 3/4 of their mistakes after each game; Arshavin's return to the side came when it was improving, and his influence has improved Russia's offensive capabilities by a considerable margin; and Hiddink's plans have worked better as the tournament has progressed.

Spain is, of course, still the favourite, but the Russian team has changed dramatically. This game has the potential to be one of the best.

[newman]

I would like to see a final Germany - Spain.

But I like all four semi-finalists and all of them deserve the title. Russia showed great matches, too.

[~zero_signal~]

This is the elimination phase...Spain was not recognizable against Italy,when compared with Spain in the groups...

Of course. I think that what most people forget is that elimination football is entirely different to group phase football.

[LostHorizon]

Every good game Arshavin has, his worth goes up by 10mil. Amazing. I'm hoping Spain goes through, but I've placed a 100$ bet for Russia to go thru.

[Alpay_BJK]

If we ( Turkey ) go to final then I want to meet Russia.

[Serg]

If we ( Turkey ) go to final then I want to meet Russia.

А нам пох чью задницу надирать.

[Deen]

Lol! Are we guys crazy?? Best of the world??? Dont make me laugh... There are some players called Leo Messi, Kun Aguero, Cristiano Ronaldo, and many more that really make the difference. And they do it in Champions League, La Liga or Premier League. Arshavin is just a very talented player that plays in Russian League, and UEFA Cup... I would like to see him in most important competitions.

EURO2008 is an important competition, as was the UEFA Cup. So far Arshavin has done much more in his two games than Ronaldo in his three.

[Brenneka]

EURO2008 is an important competition, as was the UEFA Cup. So far Arshavin has done much more in his two games than Ronaldo in his three.

well its because of Coach difference..Hiddink gets the best out of Arshavin cant say same thing for Scolari..He is responsible for Ronaldo's poor performance

[Raul_Madrid]

The problem is that he didnt play against Spain xD

lol wow i didn't know. i dont know any of the russian players. but screw it i still say he will be a no show lol

[Lance Knight]

This is the best Spain NT of the last year. I think and i wish they win the cup.
Against Russia, with an open game, the result can be 3-1.

dude spain's 2002 world cup side was spain's best side, and if they werent cheated out 3 goals and a PK in the PK shootout they might have went on to even beat brazil.....



Correct,as far is Arragones concerned...Spain isnt better then Holland...No way...Now of course Hiddink knows the Dutch football,but they had a brilliant coach Van Batsen him self...Still Arragones is nowhere near Hiddink...

I would be really surprised if Spain beats Russia...Italy could've punish the Spanish bad coordination,but Toni was too sterile...I doubt that the Russians will have troubles with that...They will probably have 50 clear goal chances,like with everyone they play and score two or three goals...

Hiddink is a master mind and he deserves his first award...but Spain has lot better individuals and they can close the match...

i'll agree with this, because it has really became quite appearent that arragones is a comeplete idiot is squad selection by itself proves this.....
the bias asshole just picked whoever he felt like and left out quite a few players who had great seasons and would have been great assests to the squad,

the best example of that would i guess have to be guti, as spain doesnt even have a playermaker on the squad...
and dont anyone dare say silva, cause silva isnt anywhere close to guti's talent


Every good game Arshavin has, his worth goes up by 10mil. Amazing. I'm hoping Spain goes through, but I've placed a 100$ bet for Russia to go thru.
ok dude thats just silly,
plus germany's ordonkar can probably outpace him


well its because of Coach difference..Hiddink gets the best out of Arshavin cant say same thing for Scolari..He is responsible for Ronaldo's poor performance
now how can u say that, c.ronaldo likes to play the wild card role, and well that doesnt really work well outside of the epl where most of those sides barely use any tactics muchless for steady formation
that have nothing to do with scolari
to me the only mistake he made was not playing a 4-5-1 formation or hell a 4-6 formation with the great midfield portugal has and the absolute piece of shit strikers they have


The way Russia are playing they could beat anyone right now, and I am starting to think that they have the better squad also. However if Spain can re-produce the form they showed in the first game then it will be a great match. However I don't see Spain playing so well again.

I think Russia will win as they are in devastating form.

I think Spain should start with Fabregas I think he was very good agianst Italy, and Spain looked a much more composed team whilst he was playing.
(I don't think he will start)

I think Russia will win 2-1

yea the way this has shaped up it can go either way

and yea why doesnt the idoit start fabregas??? plus can someone please telll me why the hell does he have senna, xavi, and iniesta on the pitch at the same time.....

-iniesta is probably spain's worse player for the tournament
-xavi isnt bad but he cant even last more than a half, so he costs us a valuable suitition which we can really use to bring on a fresh player espically if the game is going on to extra time...... just look how tired the whole squad was in the italy match
- and senna has a great shot but he gives away the ball too much and cause alot of useless fouls.....

it absolute shows arragones idoicy by playing all 3 when we would have on some damn wingers, like jesus navas or vicente or jouqiun or reyes, some real people to put in some crosses unlike the shit silva is doing

and then the midfield is in such a mess that villa has to be consantly coming back to get the ball and even if he gets it now torres is up there alone against 3-4 defenders

and then some people might say torres is playing greedy sometimes, and i would have agreed but the rest of them are doing shit, so i say he should keep the ball...

then ramos can really make his runs forward cause marchena and puyol are not that trustworth to be left alone at the back cause they are are that fast.... and the funny thing is when ramos makes the runs they dont even pass to him......

man i am a spain fan, even before i became a real madrid fan, but this spain side is really pissing me off

[RonDeco]

well its because of Coach difference..Hiddink gets the best out of Arshavin cant say same thing for Scolari..He is responsible for Ronaldo's poor performance

Totaly agree!

[Saraj Fanatico]

well its because of Coach difference..Hiddink gets the best out of Arshavin cant say same thing for Scolari..He is responsible for Ronaldo's poor performance

Ronaldo wasn't poor at all if you ask me. He created great chances, assisted and scored. He did well in my opinion. Its just that we expect so much of him that even when he plays well but not extraordinary, people get the illusion that he was playing badly.

[Deen]

Ronaldo is of course a great player, and he has an impact on the game whenever he plays. I just thought this tournament (and vs Germany especially) he performed below his standard.

Arshavin also said in an interview that he had better games than the two he played in EURO2008, just that the bigger stage and audience makes them have more effect.

Anyways, I quite like the Spanish team and players and would not be upset if they outplay Russia on Thursday and go to the final, but I believe Russia will win this particular match.

[Brenneka]

Ronaldo wasn't poor at all if you ask me. He created great chances, assisted and scored. He did well in my opinion. Its just that we expect so much of him that even when he plays well but not extraordinary, people get the illusion that he was playing badly.

i agree with you and i dont think he performed poorly i was referring the previous poster:bowl:

[Neonite]

I either want to see a
Germany - Spain
final, this will show us some soccer.

Or an
Turkey - Russia
final, this would be epic.

None the less, because I am NEVER right. It will be either a Spain-Turkey or Germany-Russia final. I am hoping Spain wins this QF, but I think Russia will.
:D

[rat2k]

Russia is the best team at the moment in this tournament. Spain played an exhausting game with Italy. I don't think they will have much left. Russia will take this 2 to 0.

[Syro_spa]

I´m going to make my predictions right now, because tomorrow Im gonna be out home all day...

Well, now that we have passed our mental block of QFinals, we are gonna make the difference right there. It´s true that Hiddink has studied us a lot, but we know how to win them too, as we did it by 4-1 two weeks ago. We´ll play our passing game combined with counteratacking and Torres is going to benefit very much. Our defence is very effective with Russia atack since we have more problems in air game, so I think we´ll get a lot of steals to take to forwards. Russia is in a good form, their league start in march, but we have players that recover very rapidly, like Silva, Fabregas or Senna, and we won´t have the same problems that Netherlands had. I expect a Hiddink´s change in strategy, so will see how Spain solve it.

Player by player, we are better than them, and this year we have a very united team, for me the most important thing.

My prediction: 1 : 3 to Spain

For people that say Aragones is an idiot... well I´ll say another time that he has the best numbers in spanish team(with more victories in less games), and he has collected a lot of titles in Spain. We could have selected Guti or Raul, but well, he is in semifinals right now, something that never happended to spain for 24 years.

[MasterminD]

Not only Guti,Raul and Joaquin but he could select Bojan too.

[Syro_spa]

Not only Guti,Raul and Joaquin but he could select Bojan too.

Bojan was selected, but he said that he needed vacances.

[Lance Knight]

For people that say Aragones is an idiot... well I´ll say another time that he has the best numbers in spanish team(with more victories in less games), and he has collected a lot of titles in Spain. We could have selected Guti or Raul, but well, he is in semifinals right now, something that never happended to spain for 24 years.

he won the la liga once back in the 1980's with atlethico madrid and a few copa del reys, but i wouldnt say he's one of the best, plus the guys has to be like what 70-something???? i think old age is setting in.....

plus atleast answer me why is he playing iniesta, xavi and senna on the field at the same time?????


btw brojan didnt have that good a season, the kid has potiential but certianly not enough to make spain's national side, now that would have been another stupid selection...

[RonDeco]

Ronaldo wasn't poor at all if you ask me. He created great chances, assisted and scored. He did well in my opinion. Its just that we expect so much of him that even when he plays well but not extraordinary, people get the illusion that he was playing badly.

Totaly agree with you. If he was unkown, with his 3 games he would be a great promisse!!! And dont forget that he is 23 year old.

[Benfica&Arsenal]

If there is any justice in football, Russia will win tomorrow. I want to see at least one team playing great football at the final and I hope Arshavin gives a lesson to the spanish.
By the way, about Aragonés, he's just a old bastard.
I don't forget the racist commentaries he did about Thierry Henry, what the f.ck do he think he is? And what a dumb ass coach leaves his best midfielder at the bench ( Fabregas) and plays with Senna and Xavi???

Go Russia! Give us one more football show please!

[Raul_Madrid]

If there is any justice in football, Russia will win tomorrow. I want to see at least one team playing great football at the final and I hope Arshavin gives a lesson to the spanish.
By the way, about Aragonés, he's just a old bastard.
I don't forget the racist commentaries he did about Thierry Henry, what the f.ck do he think he is? And what a dumb ass coach leaves his best midfielder at the bench ( Fabregas) and plays with Senna and Xavi???

Go Russia! Give us one more football show please!

Yes arshavin.. wow we are so scared. He has one good game against holland and all of a sudden he is such a big deal.

and enough with that racist crap. aragones brought senna to the NT and he is black lol.

[I Am Legend]

Yes arshavin.. wow we are so scared. He has one good game against holland and all of a sudden he is such a big deal.

and enough with that racist crap. aragones brought senna to the NT and he is black lol.



I agree with you...No place for racism in SFN. :sad:

As for Spain and Arshavin...I expect Spain to win tonight and go on to win Euro 2008. However, if they treat Russia and Arshavin lightly they will get a huge shock and be beaten. Russia is a good side and Arshavin on current from is probably one of the best players out there. I will remind you Zenit are Russian champs and they pretty much thumped everyone in the UEFA Cup.

Spain to win by one goal.

[RonDeco]

Until now a very good game! A open game.

[RonDeco]

Is anyone here?

[BavarianRed]

1-0!!! ESPANAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..... nice gooal

[TomClancy]

1-0!!! ESPANAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..... nice gooal

He got lucky on that thing. It was supposed to be a shot.

[RonDeco]

2-0 ggoooooolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[BavarianRed]

what a goooal by Guiza world class....... sick touch by cesc....

[RonDeco]

This Spain is fantastic! It's a lesson how to play good football from individual and tactical view.
Where is Arshavin? Where is the Russia that has played with Netherlands?

[BavarianRed]

oh my 3-0!!!!! ESPANA!!!!!!!!!!! Russians were talking so much crap on how they will beat spain hahahah.... Spain is owning them like its nothing...

[RonDeco]

3-0 SILVA
Esssssssssssssspppppppppppaaaaaaaaaaaaanhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[fsucesar]

so we can start talking about germany v. spain....a very nice final indeed...

[Saraj Fanatico]

lol people were so full of it talking about Russia slamming Spain. I am telling you, Spain knows when to be serious. How crazy was that 2nd goal! Beautiful! So nice it fixes your vision.

[Turk123]

Thank you Spain for giving us the "unofficial" third place spot. :)
I think they are a better team compare to Germany and i hope they'll win this Euro Cup.

Btw; the second goal scorer, Guiza will be playing for Fenerbahce next season, along with his coach, Aragones :)

[RonDeco]

oh my 3-0!!!!! ESPANA!!!!!!!!!!! Russians were talking so much crap on how they will beat spain hahahah.... Spain is owning them like its nothing...

YEEEEE. And i dont know if this is the end of the lesson. Spain can score 1 ou2 more.

[RonDeco]

Who will win the best player of the match?
In my opinion Silva or Fabregas.

[turkaholic]

Who will win the best player of the match?
In my opinion Silva or Fabregas.

I say Fabregas. He changed the game totally.

[RonDeco]

That's it. Germany-Spain in the final. Great final!

[BavarianRed]

That's it. Germany-Spain in the final. Great final!

this will be one great final to watch indeed.........

[Saraj Fanatico]

What did I tell you people. No surprises against a serious and fully confident and determined Spain. People were so up in the sky with their unrealistic predictions of Russia overcoming Spain 2-3 or 4 to 0.

[PAO_HELLAS]

Clear win, deserved qualification. I was hoping for the opposite but it didn't happen. Now I hope Germany wins the final :D.

[Bleda]

Great win by Spain, they deserve it. I hope they defeat Germany in the final. I was actually hoping that if Turkey lost, Spain would take home the cup. I'll be happy if they do. :)

[Raul_Madrid]

Where was that arshavin guy? I knew he would be a no show lol. I think russia only had one shot on goal and what a save by the best GK in the world, Iker casillas. What a horrible game by the russians. how did they even make it so far? They were crap when we played them in the first game and they are crap now.

[BavarianRed]

Spain know how to play well when they want to, and i just dont know how the germans will be able to cope with villa,cesc, and all the other fast runners like torres for example, but we will see what happens, i except spain to win in the finals....

[RonDeco]

Iniesta wan the UEFA Man of the mach! I dont agree. i thin Fabregas was the best. Can u see the power of Spain NT? A player like Fabregas is a substitute!

Before tounament start Mourinho said that Spain was one the favourite. The Special One knows...

[LostHorizon]

ESPANNAAAA!! This is their year! Comparing how Germany played yesterday with Spain's performance today, the outcome of the final is glaringly obvious!

[LostHorizon]

Iniesta wan the UEFA Man of the mach! I dont agree. i thin Fabregas was the best. Can u see the power of Spain NT? A player like Fabregas is a substitute!

Before tounament start Mourinho said that Spain was one the favourite. The Special One knows...

I agree, though I'd also say that Ramos had a wicked game. Won pretty much every confrontation with attacker as well as providing some excellent chances up front.

[Sebastian]

Russian inexperience payed it's due...Their strength was in the team work and here they attempted to go and play one on one with the Spaniards...

They werent aggressive at all...and their "Jekyll & Hyde"style surprised many...They left too much space and obviously the win against Holland made them drunk...

They were missing some important players,but with this kind of attitude they would've been neutralized...

At this point you regret that Holland didnt went through...Russia deserved to win,but Spain learned from the Dutch that the Russians can not be underestimated...

[Elicea]

Congrats Spain!

[futbolpasion]

Russian inexperience payed it's due...Their strength was in the team work and here they attempted to go and play one on one with the Spaniards...

They werent aggressive at all...and their "Jekyll & Hyde"style surprised many...They left too much space and obviously the win against Holland made them drunk...

They were missing some important players,but with this kind of attitude they would've been neutralized...

At this point you regret that Holland didnt went through...Russia deserved to win,but Spain learned from the Dutch that the Russians can not be underestimated...


arshavin was mostly quiet the whole game they kept him in check if from the start


viva espana for la vittoria


now for the finale :p

[Sebastian]

ESPANNAAAA!! This is their year! Comparing how Germany played yesterday with Spain's performance today, the outcome of the final is glaringly obvious!

You can not say that...Germany had a dreadful match against Austria and ass kicked Portugal latter...
It has been proven that the matches in this Euro 2008 are stories for them selves...Everyone thought that Germany will have a walk in the park against Turkey and they were outplayed,Russia was extremely attractive and effective,but tonight they played like a bunch of amateurs...

It is a final and people should remember the Brazil vs Germany finals in 2002...Brazil could've lost that one cos the Germans were unexpectedly accurate and intensive...Cross bars and stuff...Kann made the mistake of his life and that was it...
No one even imagined that Germany would play in the finals then...and this time they are lot better...

Spain wont underestimate them and neither will Germany do that...

It is a final...

[Sebastian]

arshavin was mostly quiet the whole game they kept him in check if from the start


viva espana for la vittoria


now for the finale :p

The Russians werent opening them selves to confuse the Spaniards,although they had a great goal chance...

They learned nothing from the Italy vs Spain clash...

Like a bunch of lambs...They had their chance and they blew it...
In the second goal the Croatian commentators were laughing at the Russian defender who didnt even tried to close the space,he raised his hand at the referee of the alleged off side and stopped,while the goal was scored...
You can not play like this :D...

[Deen]

Congratulations to Spain on a great match and best of luck in the final. They deserve the championship title.

I am not sure why the Russian team played so badly today, much worse than their last two matches.
Perhaps another match vs Spain in heavy rain looked too much like their opening game. They never picked up any speed and could not make good passes, they could not adapt to the rain and were swept away Spain once more.

A great result in the tournament for the Russian team anyways and I look forward to the World Cup!

[LostHorizon]

You can not say that...Germany had a dreadful match against Austria and ass kicked Portugal latter...
It has been proven that the matches in this Euro 2008 are stories for them selves...Everyone thought that Germany will have a walk in the park against Turkey and they were outplayed,Russia was extremely attractive and effective,but tonight they played like a bunch of amateurs...

It is a final and people should remember the Brazil vs Germany finals in 2002...Brazil could've lost that one cos the Germans were unexpectedly accurate and intensive...Cross bars and stuff...Kann made the mistake of his life and that was it...
No one even imagined that Germany would play in the finals then...and this time they are lot better...

Spain wont underestimate them and neither will Germany do that...

It is a final...

In mentioning that, are you hinting that Semi's are insignificant? Because Germany's performance against Turkey was mediocre at best. But I agree in that they do have a tendency to do well against more formidable opponents.

Another thing is that Spain has a way better defensive lineup than Germany (not as good as Buffon+Cannavaro+Nesta, Italians have best D hands down). Imo, this is what it'll come down to.

[Sebastian]

I am saying that every match has it's own reality and they are all different...There has been too many surprises and the best thing is to accept the improbability of the outcome...

Every match is significant...and Spain knows that they are playing against the greatest football nation in Europe(of course tied with Italy).

Spain has the advantage because of the incredible individual talent that they posses,Germans are great but nowhere near the Spaniards...

Portugal resembled this and they lost...No one can exclude Germany from anything,no matter who their opponent is...

[I Am Legend]

Congrats to Spain. They were very good tonight and they will be 2 goals too good for Germany on Sunday.

[Scrabus]

My congratulations to the Spain. They played much better than we did and deserved the win. And it's not a surprise, of course. We still not a top football country but we're climbing and I hope soon we will. 2 UEFA Cup, 3th place on the Euro. We may be proud of our achievements last years and think soon russian football will be the thing people talking about. Our team might win vs everyone but we so unstable. It would been a miracle if we had won the title this year. People have a tend to underestimate or overestimate teams and players. Thet what people have done with our team. We are pritty good team but still not top level yet. You ask for now: Where Arshavin been? He fake, silly, bad player and so on. And just one day ago you called him like Maradona. Ofc he's not. He plays very well and have had better games in Russian championship than he played on Euro but wtf? he is not a God! He can brake opponent's game if his team has chances, attacking. I guess, even Mardona didn't help today's Russian team win the much. Arshavin, actually, is a star but no so bright like some men expected. Stars shining when team playing good. It's always the rule. Our team still studing, don't blame its for such game. We are just near of top lvl games but we're still not. Hopefully, world cup we will play better.
Congratulations to Spain again it was deserved victory and I will support your team into the final mach! Cheer!

[Saraj Fanatico]

Arshavin was completly shut down by Spain. They really had him on check.

[Scrabus]

Arshavin was completly shut down by Spain. They really had him on check.

It hasn't been only Arshavin). It has been a whole team. So he couldn't made anything. What did you really expect from him when russian team was totally outplayed like we did with Sweden and Ibrahimovich? And it wasn't his good game. Teamplay decided. And Spain personally has a very unconvenient style for Russia, many quick passes and total ball control. That's why on the tournament we lose only to Spain :rolleyes:

[Benfica&Arsenal]

I've to apologize sincerely. I was hoping that Russia sent Spain home today but they prove me how wrong I was.
Have to take my hat off for Spain today. By far the best collective performance in this Euro.
Desire, technique, high rotation football, and the old bastard Aragones outsmarted completely Hiddink.
Key points for Spain today:
Aragones read the opponent so well. David Silva passed from left to right wing to stop Zhirkov, and Sergio Ramos helped to block the russian left back with a great game, always spreading the panic in the right flank.
Marcos Senna was Arshavin shadow, and he grabbed him, bended him and put him in his pocket tonight.
Marchena and Puyol played in antecipation over Pavlyuchenko.
The entire spanish team playing at a very high level, only F.Torres was bad again, he's trying to copy Luca Toni, lol
And for me the key point was the injury of Villa and Fabregas coming in. He´s simply the best midfielder of Spain, I still dont understand how he's not a starter, and he dominated the game today.
For me it was a tough fight between Cesc and Silva for MVP. Iniesta? He was ok, but below those two.
These are the performances that capture the fans and the final is a well deserved award for Spain.
I still dont like the guys, but they definitely deserve!
Now is going to be a great final I hope. If Spain wins, justice is served coz they're in fact the better team in the tournament. If Germany wins I'll be glad coz' Spain will be sent home. lol
Anyway, congratulations Spain. Gracias por un partidazo!

[LostHorizon]

Torres was not bad, He had to constantly fight off 2 defenders once Villa was off. If he had stayed instead of Guiza, He would've scored off Cesc's asssist. Toni is another story.

[zampao]

Congratulations to Spain.

i was surprised by the unexpectedly bad performance of Russia

i was expecting to be a stronger game but it was well done by spain so they were really worth to pass to the final&they were much better than the game with italy.

[Scrabus]

Torres looks unimpressive on this tournament. I expected much more but he still have one game in the final to show himself...

[Scrabus]

Congratulations to Spain.

i was surprised by the unexpectedly bad performance of Russia

i was expecting to be a stronger game but it was well done by spain so they were really worth to pass to the final&they were much better than the game with italy.
Expecting something from Russia is very hard even for me-). They absolutely unpredictable. If our guys have passion they can play like a world stars team and win aginst everyone. If they poor-feeling can lose even to Andorra... In both cases it won't be a sensation...

[Barciur]

Spain dominated that game and I am afraid of the final.. BUT...
as someone else mentioned, every match has its own reality.... Spain may have a bad day... referee can make a big mistake... there may be a hurricane and stadium will fall apart :lol:

[binary0x01]

Spain was the better side.

But 90% of the Russian team were first timers at a tournament of this caliber.

At least we all got to see what Russian players can do, and they were very complementary about Spain's win, they said Spain deserved it all the way.

At least now Arshavin, Zhirkov, Pavluchenko and Kolodin will play on the big stage so everyone can see how good they are.


PS: good thing for Spain this wasn't a hockey match.

[Sebastian]

Spain dominated that game and I am afraid of the final.. BUT...
as someone else mentioned, every match has its own reality.... Spain may have a bad day... referee can make a big mistake... there may be a hurricane and stadium will fall apart :lol:

Or the Spaniards can have a great day,but the Germans could read Nietzsche Thus Spake Zarathustra Übermensch before the match and realize that all they have to do is win...That's what's everyone expects from them :evil:...

My grandfather speaks German and we always watch Germany and Italy matches together...So when Germany scores a goal i always yell....."UBERMENSCH, UUUUBEEEEEEEEERMENSCHHHHH"...:D...He always notes "not U ,but Ü"..."You just make your mouth like a chicken's ass and say" " Ü "...

They didnt played in the 2002 finals because they were one of the best,but because they are Germans...The German mentality distinct it self from all others...
It is cool that they are finally using it for different things then ruling the world militarily :D...

[Sebastian]

That's why on the tournament we lose only to Spain :rolleyes:

That's because you havent met the Germans or the ITALIANS...

[Scrabus]

That's because you havent met the Germans or the ITALIANS...
In any case we can't say that definitely. In my personal opinion we would have better chances against Italy to win. Because their form at this champ aren't good.