Euro 2008: Group D - (10/06/2008)Spain 4-1 Russia

A delightful performance by Spain against Russia showed Europe that they aren't suckers any more. Spain, one of the strongest teams when they enter any competition, usually suck up in the Group stages, or don't reach the finals. They only have one Euro Cup to their credit: Euro 1964, which was a good 44 years back.

David Villa was at his excruciating best yesterday, squeezing out three goals to inspire a strong Spain side past Russia 4-1. The Spanish coach fielded an attacking team, with Villa and Torres upfront, with Senna preferred over Xabi Alonso and Fabregas sitting on the bench. Spain were attacking right from the whistle, and created better chances than Russia. David Villa wasted two good opportunities to open the scoring as Spain turned the heat on Russia. Russia's Aleksandr Anyukov set up a pass from the right wing to Igor Semshov, who wasted the opportunity by flashing it wide. Spain where finally rewarded in the 20th minute when a long pass was directed to Torres, and there was a tussle for the ball between Torres and Denis Kolodin, with Torres getting the better of him as he gave a light pass to Villa, who finished it in style.

Russia responded immediately, and almost cancelled out Villa's opening goal when Zyrianov hit a low shot onto the left hand post after a cross from the right had slit the Spanish defence open. A patient Spain doubled their lead at halftime when Iniesta tricked a few defenders before setting up Villa, who scored after popping the ball through the charging goalkeeper's legs.

Another goal for Spain in the 74th minute, when Fabregas produced a beautiful pass to Villa, who tricked his was past Roman Shirokov and tucked the ball into the net to claim his hat-trick. Russia pulled back one in the 86th minute via Zyrianov's corner, which was flicked by Shirokov to Pavlyuchenko, who headed the ball past Casillas strongly. But the goal scoring was not yet over as Xavi's volley was blocked by the Russian Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, only for it to be headed in by Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas to complete a 4-1 rout.

Here are the highlights, courtesy TVGOLO!!

Villa, 20th minute, 1-0
Villa, 45th minute, 2-0 + First Half Highlights



Villa, 74th minute, 3-0
Pavlyuchenko, 86th minute, 3-1
Fabregas, 90th minute, 4-1 + Second Half Highlights