Spanish delight

The Spanish team huddles together in joy after the final whistle

A revitalised Russian team is set to take on Spain in the semis. The question on everybody's mind is whether the Russians would get whipped again like what happened during the group stages. Russia certainly enters this match with more confidence as compared to their first meeting with the Spanish after dispatching the dominant Dutch. It was a cagey first half with neither side making a headway. At the 34th minute, David Villa suffered a muscle strain and had to be subbed off by Fabregas.

Russia could no longer handle the second half as Spain runs rampant with their attacks. Puyol and Sergio Ramos have been solid behind for the defence and this enabled the attackers to do their job without worry. A supposed shot into the net by Iniesta had its course diverted by an incoming Xavi Hernandez. The Spanish gain even more confidence afterthat and looked forward to score their second. At the 73rd minute, center midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas effortlessly flick a ball for Guiza to score Spain's second goal. It was Fabregas there once again to assist in wrapping up the game when he ran free down the left flank to set up Silva to score the third. Espana will now meet Deutschland in the final after their 3-0 win.

Spain is looking good for the title given the way they play in the semis. Russia could not really find much weaknesses to exploit and they were eventually outplayed by the superior skills of the Spanish. Fabregas' intelligent passes and reading of the game was truly a joyful sight to behold and I believe he fully deserves a starting place in the final. For the entire tournament, Fabregas did not start because Aragones remained "loyal" to his starting eleven although some of them had not been as impressive.

After reaching the semis for the first time in 24 years, the Spanish are now reaching the final also for the first time in 24 years and they would now be looking to win a trophy for the first time in 24 years.