Semifinal #2 Russia v Spain [R]

[Zenit]

You obviously know your Russians better than me, but if Shirokov is the same Shirokov that played against Spain, then speed is one of the things he doesn't have.

He's not some lumbering oaf - both he and Kolodin were victimized in the first game by Semak forgetting his defensive responsibilities & trying to create in the absence of Arshavin. That didn't work, obviously, so since the Greece game Guus has played both Zyrianov & Semshov in the more deep holding roles, to help out the centerbacks, and surprise, surprise, it seems to be working. Not the best use of Zyrianov's talents, but it seems to be effective,

[Todorov]

Spain is more mature and more balanced in depth but Russia has every chance of coming out of this game with a victory.

I predict a 3-2 to the Russians in an heart-breaking match.

[Txtriathlete]

The game will be open spaced, and Spain is by far one of the best open play teams in this tournament.

[Striker X]

REALLY looking forward to this game. Too bad neither Torbinski or Kolodin can play.

Hoping Russia can keep pace and with Spain, would love to see a 3-2 game.

[Tony Dellbird]

Is there any news on Pogrebnyak?

[Fan123]

Difference between Spain and Holland is that Holland (in that match at least) could not hold possession if their lives depended on it. Thus Russia was able to take advantage and dominate the Dutch. Spain is a possession-dominant team. Their passing abilities are top-notch, it seems as if every single pass a Spanish player makes, gets to its intended target.

This will be a great match. Russia, unlike Italy, will actually try to play. So there will a lot of spaces for those little passes Spain loves to make. But also b/c Russia will try to play, the Spanish defense will have to do a lot more to stop the Russian offense, than they did in all 4 matches they have played.

I would like Spain to win, but I think Russia actually have more power and tenacity to beat Germany. Spain always seem to strike me as '"soft." Ei
Either way, I believe we'll see a lot of goals tomorrow.

[Sheva7]

Is there any news on Pogrebnyak?

What kind of news? If you're asking whether he'll play, then the answer is no since he was out before the tournament started.

[Tony Dellbird]

What kind of news? If you're asking whether he'll play, then the answer is no since he was out before the tournament started.

I heard he may be back for the knockout stages, but I must have got him mixed up with Arshavin.

[Slitty]

Casillas' experience will prevail over the newbie Russian keeper.

Define newbie. I would think that being the first choice goalkeeper for three league titles (and two more top three finishes), three domestic cup wins (six if counting supercups), a UEFA Cup victory, four Champions League group stages, and two World Cup/Euro qualification cycles is just about as much experience as a 22-year-old can hope for.


You obviously know your Russians better than me, but if Shirokov is the same Shirokov that played against Spain, then speed is one of the things he doesn't have.
Consider it a relative term then. As far as Russian centre backs go; he is the fastest.

[Rainer24]

The Russian attack will get a major boost in Arshavin, but that wasn't really the problem. If Arshavin drives the Russians forward, it might just open up the match for the Spain. If Russia gives up that space, the might be entering a slugfest with a team that can deliver more body blows than they can produce themselves.

[The One & Only]

I'm expecting a high scoring game...

I hope it is a 6+ goal game.

[Gandalf The Red]

Come on El Ninoooooo

Im backing spain but im worried they are gonna get an A$$ Shaving:D

[Campioni_2006]

Unless Germany can get their act together and perform a lot better than they did yesterday, I think it's save to say that whoever wins this match has a very good chance at winning the EC.

Good luck to both teams.

[footyfan1]

I think this match will be a classic.

[Dage]

The winner of this match will face the ultimate endboss -_-;

[Olimpero]

According to this (http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=752783) report, Russian players have a big incentive to score goals(Arshavin doesn't seem to complain about the news, hehe)

[TheGrimSweeper]

The winner of this match will face the ultimate endboss -_-;

http://evilwombat.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/hitler2.jpg

[GoodDead]

The winner of this match will face the ultimate endboss -_-;

Brazil?

[cuyseco]

This fan says 2-0...first fix your teeth jajajja


http://estaticos02.cache.el-mundo.net/eurocopa/2008/albumes/2008/06/10/espanoles/714d0285f71cd132b3ca00fafbfefa7e_extras_albumes_0.jpg (http://www.elmundo.es/eurocopa/2008/albumes/2008/06/10/espanoles/index_9.html)

[TheGrimSweeper]

This fan says 2-0...first fix your teeth jajajja


http://estaticos02.cache.el-mundo.net/eurocopa/2008/albumes/2008/06/10/espanoles/714d0285f71cd132b3ca00fafbfefa7e_extras_albumes_0.jpg (http://www.elmundo.es/eurocopa/2008/albumes/2008/06/10/espanoles/index_9.html)

Go back to England with those chompers