Semifinal #2 Russia v Spain [R]

[Tony Dellbird]

Let's just hope there is no lightening strikes today;)

There had already been some in the first half!

[illuminatus]

From your perspectives, try not to be biased, who is looking the better side in the first half and why?

Pretty even in my opinion. Russia will definitely be buoyed that the man who put 3 past them last time around is gone. I think Guiza should've been the one to come on for Villa instead of Cesc. It's overkill in the Spanish midfield now with everyone looking to play a long/short through pass to Torres who's been stumbling around looking for a lucky break.

Haven't seen much of the hyped Arshavin though Pavlyuchenko looks sharp and dangerous.

[Inklink]

What are those red things Villa wears on his fingers? Did he break them or something?

BTW, pretty even game so far. I think the Ref is keeping the cards in his pocket because:

1) He doesn't want to decide the game
2) He may be offering up a little leniency with those sliding tackles due to the bad weather.

[DaveyGorgeous]

Arshavin has been quiet, but Arshavin isn't Russia, I don't know where all this hype is coming from, yes he's good but he's not the be all and end all.

True, but I would probably consider him the most talented man on Russia. Would you not agree?

[BigHeadTodd]

From your perspectives, try not to be biased, who is looking the better side in the first half and why?

Hard to tell, the atrocious weather appears to be significantly impacting the quality of play. Not nearly as exciting of a match as yesterdays semi....Villa going off certainly is not helping Spain chances.

I predict that Russia will prevail with Pavluchenko scoring the only goal around the 70' mark...

BHT

[Tony Dellbird]

True, but I would probably consider him the most talented man on Russia. Would you not agree?

I would agree definitely but he isn't the be all and end all.

[Suyuntuy]

The difference is the long shots on goal the Russians try. That keeps Casillas on his toes. It's enough for one of them to get a rebound, with one of the Russian forwards nearby, and it's a goal.

[DaveyGorgeous]

I would agree definitely but he isn't the be all and end all.

True. Okay, we are in agreement :D

[braulio]

Pretty even in my opinion. Russia will definitely be buoyed that the man who put 3 past them last time around is gone. I think Guiza should've been the one to come on for Villa instead of Cesc. It's overkill in the Spanish midfield now with everyone looking to play a long/short through pass to Torres who's been stumbling around looking for a lucky break.

Haven't seen much of the hyped Arshavin though Pavlyuchenko looks sharp and dangerous.

I thought Guiza had a pretty bad game against the italians.

Maybe Aragones wants to use him as a sub for Torres again...

[Amdrag]

I would agree definitely but he isn't the be all and end all.

Because he singlehandedly seemed to destroy the Dutch?

[DrunkCajun]

Wow. Gorgeous.

[Amdrag]

What a goal. Beautiful by Spain.

[illuminatus]

XAVIIIIII.... Iniesta comes good!!

[sidspaceman]

gol de Espana

[Pit-182]

Goal by Spain. But it's not over yet.

[unclesox]

XAAAAAVIIIIIIIIII

Assist from Iniesta.

The overrated Catalans come through!!! :D

[braulio]

¡Goooooool!
Xavi:D

[Txtriathlete]

Beautiful!

[Tony Dellbird]

Well we have a game now, I'm kind of doubtful that was a cross from Iniesta, but still a beautifully worked goal nonetheless, Spain had come out the better side.

[braulio]

damn, almost another one by Torres.