Russia 1 - 4 Spain. Euro 2008

Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria.
WATCHSOCCER prediction: Russia 0 - 2 Spain.

Early Russian pressure leads to a free-kick that Spain goalie Casillas had to punch away.
According to ESPN commentator Tommy Smyth, "Guus [Hiddinck] generally knows what he's doing."
Zhirkov is very mobile for the Russians as they push as amny as five of their forwards and midfielders push up on the Spanish back line. This could be an open game if this continues.
14' David Villa shoots tamely at Akinfeev.
16' Semshov shoots wide.
19' Goal. Russia 0 Spain 1. The Torres-Villa combinaton works like a dream after a great vertical pass by Xavi. Torres has the vision and skill to flick the ball into the path of David Villa who scores easily as Akinfeev is drawn to the ball.
22' A shot by Zyryanov hits the right-hand post of Casillas.
22' Torres put through, but his shot is smothered.
End-to-end play in what is shaping up to be the best match so far in the tournament.
23' Torres shoots again, but Akinfeev saves low to his right at the near post.
24' Casillas saves a weak shot.
27' Villa shoot from a tight angle.
41' Pavlyuvchenko hits the bar after a free kick.
44' Goal. David Villa scores his second after a great through ball from Andres Iniesta.

Second half.

74' Goal. Russia 0 Espana 3. David Villa gets his hat trick; he fakes left, goes right and shoots past Akinfeev into the near side of the goal, the Russian goalkeeper having dived too early as he did for the second goal he let in.
The Russian midfielders are being dispossessed far too easily now and this is leading to sweeping counterattacks by Spain. The Spaniards are superior technically and it's beginning to be apparent to all the onlookers.
After Cesc Fabregas is brought on for Fernando Torres Spain start playing short wall passes in and around the Russian penalty area.
81' Pavlyuvchenko shoots just wide of Casillas' left-hand post.
Spain's defence doesn't look like a top-notch outfit, it must be said.

It's interesting to see the Spanish left-back and right-back pinch in centrally leaving space out towards the corners. Given the rain, a lofted back-spin pass aimed at the corner flags might not stop in time for the winger to reach the ball. It could be a coaching tactic though - we saw Wimbledon employ the same in their 1988 FA Cup Final win against Liverpool where their defensive corners were abandoned in favour of having a double layer defensive set-up around the goal area.

85' Goal. Russia 1 Spain 3. Pavlyuvchenko escapes his marker and heads powerfully home after a Russian corner from the right.
88' Semak inds himself with the ball in front of the Spanish goal. but he rabbit-headlights and the chance is lost.
90' Russia 1 Spain 4. David Villa brilliantly lifts the ball up and over the Russian backs and the ball falls to Cesc Fabregas who heads home.

Result: Russia 1 Spain 4,

WATCHSOCCER Man of the Match: David Villa.