The semi-final Euro 2008 soccer match between Russia and Spain looked to be a high-scoring offensive spectacle. It was, for the Spanish; the Russians were unable to break through the Spanish defense. In the end Spain simply outplayed Russia, as well as outscoring them 3–0.
Because both teams traditionally wear red, the Spanish team was forced by regulation to wear "unlucky" yellow jerseys. (Since the 17th century yellow has been considered an unlucky hue in Spain.) Luck proved not to be a factor.
Rain poured down in solid sheets throughout the match, but the pitch held up, and the rain didn't seem to be a factor otherwise.
Lightning flashed overhead throughout the match, which was somewhat more of a factor—for the television audiences. Yesterday's Germany-Turkey match was knocked off the air repeatedly by lightning strikes.
Both teams came out playing patient offense, passing and running without the ball to create opening. However, both teams were more focused on defense. The few shots on net were handled easily by the goalkeepers.
Neither team made a concerted offensive effort throughout the first half of the period. Both teams seemed to be waiting for the other to make a serious error on defense.
The game seemed to heat up just a bit in the last several minutes of the half, with Spain in particular pushing harder on offense, but Russia played perfect defense, and neither keeper was tested.
Spain Owns the Second Half
The second half opened with a bit more spark, as both teams were pushing upfield harder and faster.
At 49 minutes, the pressure paid off for Spain.
Spanish midfielder Andrés Iniesta made a powerful personal effort to get free to take a shot. Iniesta wasn't really clear, and the shot wasn't headed for the net, but the ball happened to meet the foot of onrushing Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernández, who tipped the ball through the legs of Russian goalkeeper Akinfeev to give Spain the lead.
Spain maintained its offensive edge after scoring, getting more scoring chances, taking better shots and keeping the ball in the Russian end longer.
It was not that the Spanish offense was that much better; the Spanish defense made the difference, stopping the Russian attacks, and getting the ball back to their own attackers in advantageous position.
By the middle of the final period, Spain was completely dominating the game, getting shot after shot, while Russia couldn't seem to mount a drive at all.
With 72 minutes gone, Spain scored again, as Spanish defender Sergio Ramos picked up the ball at midfield, kicked it ahead to Cesc Fàbregas, who passed to forward Daniel Güiza, who had come in to the game only a few minutes prior.
Güiza played the ball off his chest a gentle looping pitch over the head of Akinfeev and into the right side of the Russian net.
Then with 81 minutes David Silva drove a shot past Akinfeev to put the game out of reach for the Russians.
Andrés Iniesta fed Cesc Fàbregas who set up Silva for the clear shot right in front of the Russian net.
The Russians never surrendered—they were pressing, and pressing dangerously, right up to the final minute. Spain simply had a little bit more, and took the win, 3–0.
The "unlucky yellow" proved not to be a factor. The energy and enthusiasm of the Russians proved not to be a factor. Spain simply played better soccer, made fewer errors, and capitalized whenever they had an opportunity.
Euro 2008 Soccer
The final game on Sunday between Germany and Spain promises to be worthy of the title, Euro 2008 Championship, because the two teams involved have certainly played like champions.
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