Spain hammered Russia 4-1 in the group stage of Euro 2008, but it should be a very different game when they meet again in today's semi-final after the latter's fortunes were transformed by the return of Andrei Arshavin.
With each match, Spain’s build-up has become slower and their attacks less dangerous. They barely threatened in their goal-less quarter-final with Italy, which they won on penalties.
However, Russia have gone the other way, by tightening up at the back and surfing a wave of attacking improvement that culminated in their fully-deserved and highly entertaining 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in their quarter-final.
PHOTO: AP
“If we think Russia will be the same as the opening match we will be very mistaken,” Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas said.
Russia’s progress has much to do with the efforts of playmaker Arshavin, who was suspended for the first two games, and striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has rediscovered the form that played such a key part in his country making the finals.
Arshavin was outstanding in the 2-0 group win over Sweden and again versus the Dutch, where his direct running, great ball control and visionary passing tore holes in both defenses.
With a touch of Russian modesty, Arshavin played down his role in getting the country to their first European semi-final.
“I’ve played better games, so many times. It’s just that the team is winning,” he said. “I’m not doing anything out of the ordinary. Sometimes I score, sometimes I provide a pass. When you do it in the World Cup or European Championship, in front of a lot of people, there are bigger repercussions, so to speak.”
Three-goal Pavlyuchenko has regained his appetite for the fray and the lightweight Spanish center backs will have to be on top of their game to keep a hold on him.
Midfielders Konstantin Zyryanov and Igor Semshov, together with virtual wing-backs Alexander Anyukov and Yuri Zhirkov, add more threat.
Hiddink’s main worry is the absence of suspended center back Denis Kolodin, who helped reorganize the defense into a unit that has conceded only one further goal after the Spain defeat.
After their enterprising display in the opener, Spain have slowed their midfield play to the point where Italy happily sat with eight men behind the ball.
Spain coach Luis Aragones knows they have to find new ways to threaten if they are to progress.
“It will be difficult to surprise Hiddink, but we will try,” he said.
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