The problem w/ his shots is that they are so weak. They always lack power and thus were not dangeous.
Two quite solid teams, actually. The only reason why the Germans are going to win the final is because the Football Gods always smile on them (and the Italians, but not this time).
From your perspectives, try not to be biased, who is looking the better side in the first half and why?
Russia hasn't really looked as threatening as they looked against the Dutch, might look to make some substitutions at half time. Is the number 10 available? He was great against the Dutch.
Seconded, he's been perfect, I don't think a single player has gotten past him in this match thus far, and he's been very useful going forward. It's between him and Berezutsky for MOTM in this half!
Spain is looking better, merely b/c they can keep the ball well and they're taking lots of shots. But Russia looks more dangerous (that sitter that Palyuvchenko missed is THE clear-cut chance in this half.) Spain should have done better though. They were so wasteful with their possession and chances.
It is pretty even overall. I would give the edge to Spain, but since Villa's injury Russia has been looking better. Spain has had more true scoring chances.... but Russia looks scary on the fast counter.
I'd say it has been Russia, other than Torres shot at the near post that Akinfeev saved with his foot and Iniestas lovely swing for nothing in the box they haven't done anything. Whereas Pavlyuchenko brought the ball down between Spains centrebacks and put it wide, and had a curling effort tipped round the post by Casillas for a Goal Kick. Sergio Ramos has been Spains most dangerous player.
This game is giving me a major deja vu of a certain 2004 SF. One team pressing, the other absorbing the pressure.. and there David Villa reeks of Pavel Nedved.
The dominating side this half is the rain. It has really had a major impact on the overall quality of the play on the pitch... Hopefully it lets up a bit in the 2nd half.
Spain had looked a lot better. Has anyone even seen Arshavin at all during the first half? Ramos has him completely out of the game. Ramos and Senna have been the two best for Spain.
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.
At least it's not like yesterday's Germany-Turkey game where we missed two goals because of the broadcast interruptions.
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.
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.
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