A dominant Spanish side crushed Russia 3-0 to advance to the Euro 2008 final where they will play Germany. Russia had no answer as the Spanish used a patient style and a total futbol like approach to the game to secure their win. Cesc Fabregas who came on as a sub for the injured David Villa stole the show for me but it was a wonderful all around performance. Now for Spain there is one more team in their way: Germany.

Open Thread

I am still not feeling terrific but wanted to put up an open thread so that we could begin a little chat about this game. 

You have to start with the star man for the Russian side -  Arshavin. This BBC blog posthas a nice profile of him with a bit of info on the back story of why he has broken out now. For me the money quote from Phil Gordos is this:

Recognising he was a rough diamond in need of a little polishing, Advocaat made sure Arshavin got the TLC he required. Then he let Hiddink know just how good Arshavin was, too.

"Hiddink has a close relationship with Advocaat, and Advocaat told him Arshavin was the best," said Kleshchev. "Hiddink, who we call the magician in Russia, trusts Advocaat."

With the backing of Advocaat and Hiddink, Arshavin began doing what he does best - terrorising defences. It's not quite a licence to roam but he certainly pops up in all kinds of places, his close control and quick feet making any defender wary of diving in.

You should read the full piece because it also looks at Zyryanov.

I think that the match up between Senna of Spain and Arshavin will be critical and Pat Nevin at the BBC agrees:

Senna will take care of Arshavin when he goes into his area in front of the Spain back four, but otherwise the other Spanish defenders will have to deal with him.

Another key aspect of this game is whether the dynamic Spanish strikers Villa and Torres can use their speed and skill against the Russian defensive line; and do so in a way that gets goals and creates constant pressure.

Interestingly Russian coach Guus Hiddink wanted to face Italy:

"I watched (the Spain-Italy quarter-final) and you think, I'd really like the Italians because tactically you can work against them.

What do you guys think about this one? I have a funny feeling that Russia could sneak it 2-1.

Well done Germany, they saw off the valiant Turks to ensure that they made the Euro 2008 final after winning 3-2. Let no one doubt how tough this was for the pre tournament favorites. Turkey bossed much of the first half and were unlucky to go in at half time tied at 1-1. They deserved a lead and but for a classic breakaway they would have gone in with an advantage.

Perhaps it was the fact that they were behind and so could play with more freedom but Germany controlled much of the second half. Despite this, however, it was only after exchanging 3 goals over the last 15 mins or so that they got the win they wanted. We of course missed chunks of the conclusion due to a major lightning storm in Switzerland impacting coverage.

The German fans and players celebrated in scenes reminiscent of the last World Cup; there was no German reserve to be seen! Well done Germany, enjoy the other semi today.

The injury and suspension crisis for Turkey continues with Emre a doubt. The Turkish side may be down to 13 players for this semi final but the strict rules preclude any additional players joining them. UEFA spokesman William Gaillard notes:

"You can't replace any players after the first game of the tournament has been played.

"We know some teams are facing difficulties, but this is a hard rule of the tournament. We have no intention of changing the tournament rules.

"If a team only had eight players to choose from before a match, then we might call an emergency meeting. But we have had no requests and we would find it a bit difficult changing now."

Open Thread

I'll be putting together a preview later but feel free to use this as a place to chat about the first Euro 2008 semi final. The biggest story of course is that Turkey are without so many players through injury and suspension. What is interesting is how positive they still are about things. You'd never see that from England!

Breaking news on the wires and the BBC indicates that Italy have parted company with their coach Roberto Donadoni. I am not sure if I agree with that move. Sure, the Italians started poorly against the Dutch but they played pretty well against Romania and very well against France (yes they were given a hand when Abidal was sent off). They did not play beautiful futbol against Spain, but this is Italy so who felt they would? And losing on penalties with a number of your top players out is not a disaster.

Perhaps the Italian federation believes that Donadoni is not the right coach to bring through a new, young Italian side in time for 2010. 

Of course, we could be reading this wrong. Perhaps it is Donadoni who wants to part company and possibly return to club futbol? I'd be surprised but you never know, only time will tell what really happened.

Gang -- what a game yesterday!

I am a bit under the weather -- will be back blogging on the semis tomorrow....

In the interim perhaps everyone can take a shot at this:

Where will the following players be next season:

Ronaldo, Lampard, Drogba, Deco and Berbatov.

My guesses:

Ronaldo -- Real Madrid

Lampard - Inter Milan

Drogba - Inter Milan

Deco - Chelsea

Berbaov - Man Utd

Open Thread

Consider this a space to give your thoughts on this one. If the pattern continues Italy will storm forward and eventually beat the group winners Spain. I believe that Spain should win BUT after the last 3 quarter finals, I am not so sure. Perhaps this one will finish 2-1 Italy....what do you think?

Unbelievable, another favorite and former group winner out of Euro 2008. Holland followed Portugal and Croatia in crashing out of the tournament at the quarter final stage as Guus Hiddink's Russia grab a much deserved place in the semi finals. Despite the fact that this game went to extra time, it was clear to most observers that the Russians deserved to win. They played with fluency and panache and really gave a top quality performance. The Dutch go home wondering where the total futbol of the group stages went at such a critical stage.

As we get ready for this game it is interesting to consider that both sides are playing a similar brand of futbol. It is not quite "total futbol" in the classic Dutch sense but it is a wonderful attacking/counter-attacking approach to the game.

Perhaps we should not be shocked that a side coached by Guus Hiddink, who has been such a successful leader for Holland, Russia and Australia among others, would have his team playing in such a manner.

Of course they are facing a side playing the same style as them only with better players and Holland should have enough speed and skill to do the business. I really hope that Holland win, they are playing wonderful futbol and it would be a real treat to see them in the final and to see them win the whole thing.