Friday, June 27, 2008

Euro 2008: Spain vs Russia Images












The teams line up for the national anthems ahead of the semi-final clash between Russia and Spain in Vienna on Thursday.
Spain reached the European Championship final for the first time in 24 years on Thursday after a convincing 3-0 victory over Russia to set up a meeting with Germany in Sunday's Euro 2008 decider.


Spanish forward Fernando Torres traps the ball.
Spain beat Russia 4-1 in the group stage two weeks ago and were the better side again on Thursday, totally deserving their triumph because their midfield dominated and created plenty of chances for the front men


Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko looks at the ball after missing an opportunity.
Russia's first serious chance came after 16 minutes when Pavlyuchenko blasted a free kick just over Iker Casillas's bar. He also went close with a long-range shot after 31 minutes


Xavi scored with a superbly taken opportunist volley at a rainswept Ernst Happel Stadium to give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead after 50 minutes.
The breakthrough in an absorbing match came five minutes into the second half when Andres Iniesta cut in from the left and found Xavi who had lost his markers.


Substitute Daniel Guiza made no mistake when he beat the off-side trap to make it 2-0 after 73 minutes.
Guiza replaced Fernando Torres up front after 69 minutes and took only four minutes to strike after being set up by midfielder Cesc Fabregas


The flares go up as Spanish supporters sense victory.
Spain, who stretched their unbeaten run to 21 matches, will be attempting to be crowned European champions for the first time since their only success in 1964


David Silva celebrates with Cesc Fabregas, who was a great influence in the mid-field, after scoring the third goal.
Silva scored eight minutes from time to shut the door on Russia


Russian players look dejected after the match.
Russia, who improved enormously after that opening loss to Spain, never found the rhythm and verve that had seen off Netherlands in the quarter-final and Andrei Arshavin, the inspiration behind their revival, had a largely anonymous game.


Spain's captain Iker Casillas, who had a relatively uneventful day, celebrates as the final whistle goes off.
Casillas was instrumental in getting Spain to the final four as he saved two penalties in the shoot-out against Italy in the quarter-finals.


Spain players rejoice after making their first final in a major competition after a long time.
The take on Germany in the final.
Germany, who reached beat Turkey 3-2 on Wednesday, will be aiming for their fourth continental triumph

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