It was a masterclass, nothing less. Of passing, of finishing, of wit, of
invention, of all the things that we know Spain can do well but, more than
that, it was a lesson in mental strength and psychological conditioning,
too, the areas in which this team were presumed to be weak. Given a
tournament to win, Spanish footballers become basket cases, history teaches
us that. Rationality is forgotten. To put it bluntly, their bottle goes.
And having already defeated Russia 4-1 in the group stage, they now had
everything to lose, going into this game. How many times have we seen Spain
crack before? How many times have they looked like the team in form, the
team to beat, only to disappoint, limping home to the distant sound of
mocking laughter? Not this lot. They held their nerve, they held their own,
even after 34 minutes when they lost David Villa, their most successful
striker in this tournament, even at half-time when it was goalless and the
tension was growing.
They did not wilt, they did not panic. They remained confident, they passed
and kept passing, their defenders kept Russia comfortably at arm’s length,
and when the goals came, they came in a torrent, like the rain that fell
throughout the night on Ernst Happel Stadium and, as it fell, washed away
over four decades of pain for La Furia Roja.
It was 1964 when Spain last won a significant trophy, 1984 when the country
last reached a final and with one landmark achieved, the other is surely in
sight. Germany will have to play at their very best to win here on Sunday,
if Spain recapture this level of performance. Andrés Iniesta was simply
exceptional, Cesc Fàbregas, who replaced Villa, not far behind. Together
they took Guus Hiddink’s overachieving Russia apart in a second-half display
that was as emphatic as it was edifying.
The goals were the work of a team at the top, intellectually. Well constructed
and taken with assurance, all featured fine passing movement in the build-up
and a sure finish, and had Fernando Torres not missed one of the best
opportunities of the night in the 62nd minute, this could have been the
biggest win of the tournament, instead of just the most convincing of the
knockout stages. Villa, who pulled a muscle in his leg, is highly unlikely
to feature against Germany, which is a blow, but one man’s misfortune is
another’s opportunity, and in this case the beneficiary is Fàbregas, of
Arsenal, who has made several substitute appearances of increasing influence
throughout the competition.
This was a fresh peak, though, in that Spain really played to their potential
only once Fàbregas was involved, and Villa’s likely absence should give him
the start against Germany he deserves. However, those who decry the thinking
of Luis Aragonés, the coach, in making him wait, do a disservice to the
quartet that start the game for Spain in midfield, who may yet live up to
the insistence of Fabio Capello, the England manager, that they constitute
the best in Europe.
The man-of-the-match award here went to Iniesta and little wonder. He was
magnificent, conjuring one of the finest individual turns of the tournament,
and if Fàbregas takes credit for the killer passes that set up Spain’s
second and third goals, it was Iniesta’s ingenuity that broke the deadlock
for the first. There were 50 minutes gone when a superb run by Iniesta was
completed by a low, driven cross — which some churlish sorts claimed was a
wayward shot, although the form he was in would suggest he was not given to
errors of misdirection. It was turned into the net by Xavi Hernández, his
Barcelona team-mate, who sidefooted it on the volley, having stolen in
between Russia’s sleeping centre halves.
As Russian resistance failed to materialise, so Spanish supremacy grew, and
Torres could have wrapped up the contest even earlier had he not made a
rather bizarre hash of a cross from Sergio Ramos, falling over as he shaped
to score, the ball cannoning wide off his knee. It was to be his last
noteworthy act of the game.
Daniel Güiza replaced Torres after 68 minutes — this has not been the happiest
tournament for the Liverpool forward despite Spain’s success — and the
substitute was quickly on the scoresheet, brought into the game by a
delightful chip from Fàbregas in the 73rd minute, running in behind Russia’s
defenders, before lifting the ball wide of Igor Akinfeev, helpless in goal.
It merely remained for David Silva to underline Spain’s superiority with a
clinical finish after Fàbregas had taken advantage of yards of space on the
left, completing a powerful run with a perfect cross in the 81st minute.
Make no mistake, this could have been a difficult night for the Spanish and
they deserve credit for making it look very easy. Even Andrei Arshavin,
rapidly gaining momentum as one of the players of the tournament, was
shackled by the outstanding Marcos Senna, Spain’s holding midfield player,
who stomped all over his favourite space, rendering him anonymous.
Had Spain lost, Uefa’s wisdom in rematching teams that had already met in the
group stage would have been questioned so, with such comfortable progress, a
different version of the same argument remains. Namely: was it right that
Spain faced opponents they had already beaten 4-1 for a place in the
European Championship final?
The answer, quite simply, is that it was not, although if Spain add Germany,
the tournament favourites, to their list of victims, along with Italy, the
world champions, Greece, the European champions, plus Russia and Sweden, it
could not be claimed that they were unworthy of the prize, however poorly
planned the route.
Russia (4-1-4-1): I Akinfeev — A Anyukov, S Ignashevich, V Berezutski,
Y Zhirkov — S Semak — I Saenko (sub: D Sychev, 57min), I Semshov (sub: D
Bilyaletdinov, 56), K Zyryanov, A Arshavin — R Pavlyuchenko. Substitutes
not used: V Gabulov, V Malafeev, R Yanbaev, A Berezutski, R Adamov, O
Ivanov, R Shirokov, V Bystrov. Booked: Zhirkov, Bilyaletdinov.
Spain (4-4-2): I Casillas — S Ramos, C Puyol, C Marchena, J Capdevila —
A Iniesta, M Senna, Xavi Hernández (sub: X Alonso, 69), D Silva — D Villa
(sub: F Fàbregas, 34), F Torres (sub: D Güiza, 69). Substitutes
not used: A Palop, J M Reina, R Albiol, F Navarro, S Cazorla, S García,
Á Arbeloa, Juanito, R De La Red.
Referee: F de Bleeckere (Belgium).
Please to be realist, we didn't win euro cup 2008, our oponent is Germany, don't dream awake more, it is very dificult. I will support Spain with all my strenght but I think Germany is the favourite team in this final. SPAIN WE CAN!! very diffucult but we can.
Laura, Burgos, Spain
Isnt it about time that the UK media took a more realistic view of our sportsmen and their opposition.
The NZ cricket team was derided as being very ordinary (at best) before the summer started. Our "stars" were praised highly. Result - a drubbing for us in ODI series. Not much better in tests
John Bostock, Lutterworth, UK
My paper arrived yesterday morning,as usual.It included not only the result,but a report on the Henley by-election.The result was announceed at 3 a.m. on that morning.I think that is incredible,and is full justification of the claim that the Times is a NEWS paper. Please keep it up.
Ian Hardman, Kirkby Lonsdale, England
Yes we wan. I do not like football, but if Spain plays I,m there.
It was incredible!!!!. A football class.....next one on Sunday.
Lets keep the fingers crossed.Olé !!!!!!!!.
Pilar Raigón, Arroyo de la Miel, Málaga
Dare I say it, but without Villa, Torres could well steal the show!
Roger, Arese, Italy
Spain deserves to win.They have made the best game and eveybody know that referees don't use to be with us in official football competitions,that's the reason why we had our last final in 1984 .Christian,you are german, so you can't be objetive and germany performance has been worst.Spain will win
Cristina, Madrid, Spain
Spain never even deserved to be in the semi-finals, they would have been destroyed in the Quarter finals had Italy had Pirlo in their team. In my opinion Germany deserve to win as the quality of the matches they have played has been phenomenal. For example the semi final.
Stephen Desmond, Wallasey, England
Well done Spain - a brilliant match. You'll have a lot of English supporters behind you on Sunday!
Simon, Lancaster, UK
Spanish may play beautifully but to my mind they won`t succeed. They still have to face a REAL team such as Germany. Good luck anyway
Martìn, Montevideo, Uruguay
Great game! Now...;Germany or Spain? Spain or Germany? Both teams are great....The best shall win....The good news, it's a "core EU team" that will eventually become EM!!!!
pascal-Pierre, Dinan, EU (France)
Great game. Well played Spain. One point to consider: how many of the team have played in the ultimate club game - the Champions League Final. Arguably only the best of the best reach this pinnacle and the sobering thought is that there are currently EIGHTEEN active English players who have.
Jim, Wigan,
Careful with euphoria. Germans have reached final doing nothing so...step by step...we're the best but have to show it
Javi, Vigo, Spain
May I put in a word for David Silva, my Player of the Tournament. In a midfield of outstanding quality he has been immaculate in every match. Amazed he not being hunted by every club of note in Europe. I would ask Valencia to name their price and, if needs be, break the bank to get him.
Barry J, Abergele, Wales
Nice to see Latin players stay on their feet under a slight challenge.
Makes a change from the usual stop start affairs.
Huw, Newcastle, England
Thank you Mr. Samuel!!
The way Spain is playing is a dream.
A POR ELLOS!!
Juan Santamaria, Valencia, Spain
What a great performance. Excellent! Superb!
Spain has surely the best team in this competition.
If they win the cup on sunday I won't complain.
Juergen T., Stuttgart, Germany
Is Torres ever going to play well in this tournament?
john smithson, london,
Of course all that matters now is Sundays game. But it is true that Germany haven't played that well this Eurocup. They might win (I'm pretty sure they will), but the Spanish team has done a better Championship, except for the game against Italy. They deserve to win, but that's not what will count.
Sarah, Dublin, Ireland
Congrats to Spain. But it seems that Spain has already won the final. To be honest: Spain was lucky not to meet an experienced etstablished class team that was able to generate pressure on them. Just Italy fought and nearly won - the performance of Russia, Sweden and Greece was sinply too poor.
Christian Rudolph, Wuerzburg, Germany
To Josh, Manchester , England:
Thanks for your comment. It is a pity your national team does not play the match on Sunday to test its skills against Spain. Maybe the next time...
Igor, Pamplona,
OK, we played very well yesterday. That's all. The job is not done yet. I'm sure the game against Germany will be very diferent and much more difficult. So spanish fellows, let's cool it until sunday night.
SPANIARD IN LONDON, LONDON, UK
I can only imagine it is sour grapes from your comment Jim Bamber - England were not there because they don't play football - Spain were there last night and they showed the world how to play - why should it be a 'fix' when someone plays decent football? I am English + Spain are a sensation.
janice, Salwa, Kuwait
Martin Samuel is one of the few journalists who make you want to read every word. The first sentence alone is worth the price of the admission. On a football note, I think Sunday is set up for a cracking final. Your heart says Spain, your head says Germany.
Matt Pasterfield, singapore, singapore
great moment to see "support Spain" video in youtube. VAMOS MATADORES, change the three lions this time and shout VIVA LA SELECCIÓN
MISTER MARACAS, Madrid, ESPAÑAAAAAA
I congratulate Spaniards on the deserved victory.
... The Russian football players also I congratulate, the semifinal is a good result.
Vasili, Khabarovsk, Russia
We all know what's going to happen on Sunday so no point in the Spanish plaudits. Deutschland being in the final is like watching a Manu goal go in against a Bolton et al at Old Trafford after only 5 minutes. Tear up your ticket and head for the car park. Depressingly familiar result.
Emile Ben, Hong Kong,
If there are justice I think SPAIN winner the Euro 2008 is the best football of Europa.
VIVA ESPAÑA
JOSE, MADRID, SPAIN
Somehow I'm afraid of sunday. I wonder why.
Katja, Bremen, Germany
Chris Fry, England
Nice to hear that here is someone out there admitting that whoever wins the final, deserves it! Everybvody else is arguing that Spain deserves to win only because they played better so far. They must show on Sunday!! And right: Germany must play good or will be destroyed.
Bernhard, Hamburg, Germany
In Spain we know that the final will be very very difficult. Germany has played so many finals.. but we hope we'll know how to play, all our players have played finals with their clubs. However, we're very proud of this team, and I thik that the ball prefers the caresses of Fabregas, Iniesta or Xavi
marc, barcelona, spain
For me (and I am a Spaniard) Germany is the favourite, but I really wish Spain to win. At the end what it counts is the ball on the net not how beautiful is the football. Germany has shown to be very efficient. Spain has to play well to win, but Germany can win even playing poorly.
Go Spain go !
Antonio, T.O., Canada
A point I find interesting: Spain win 1 trophy (in the 60's) and England do the same. Yet Spain are 'bottlers' whereas England are hard done by, cheated, robbed etc and indeed etc. in subsequent tournaments (although Spain did reach another final).
Why is this?
Martin, Hamilton,
Congratulations Spain! I've always been a fan of the Spanish teams, it was so sad to see them leave early in tournaments - but not this time! I hope we play on a similar level on Sunday, then it's gonna be a great game. May the best team win & all fans celebrate together! Viva Alemania! Viva España!
Saven, Hamburg, Germany
Congratulations to Spain!! Without doubt you showed the most beautiful and brilliant football of the tournament. So you are the clear favorite for winning the Euro 2008. However, as a passionate German supporter, I am hoping for a surprise;-). Let us hope to see a great and fair match on sunday!!
Martin, Sigmaringendorf, Germany
..everybody thinks spain will beat germany..that´s the biggest mistake the spanish can make - and thats the reason why you will lose on sunday. you shouldn´t forget the match against italy - the only REAL enemy of spain so far - you all know the result. I guess the spanish dont know what they awaits
Josh, Manchester , England
A brilliant piece of writting Martin., well done! spaniards have had a fair share of pain and frustration over the years, unable to work out why a nation with such gifted players were found wanted on big competitions. Let us hope for the benefit of football that Spain reach glory on Sunday.
Antonio, Sotogrande, Spain
Congratulations to Spain! There were no doubts about your victory yesterday - well-deserved and unconditional. You left us no chances of playing our game (the one we had with the Netherlands) - sad as it seem to us, but you were better yesterday. Great job!
Elena, Moscow, Russia
we are proud about our team even loosing the final against Germany. We only hope our players push hard and leave our dignity on the top. The best is that they have demosntrated their friendly and the Luis Aragonés idea about playing football
Juan Antonio Navarro Serrano, algeciras, spain
Great game, though Sunday will be very tough. Germany's height and organisation are going to be our main problems. Spain struggles against organised and physical teams.
But whatever happens I'm very happy, we have been the outstanding team of the tournament. And the boys have made us proud.
Felipe, London, England
Beautiful match.
GOD SAVE BRITAIN AND SPAIN TOO!
Manuel, Barcelona, Spain
As I said in my last email...Well done España for the group Luis has managed to keep together against all odds (Marchena: Outstanding yesterday, Silva: Great, Cesc, Xavi, Iniesta, all fantastic players. Go for the final!!
Sheridan Santamaria, Essex, England
Daniel from Algarve,
I cannot think of a single spaniar who didn' t support Portugal va Germany. Get over that silly complex some Portuguese have over Spain! We' ve always have and will support you when playing (except of playing vs spain)
Beijinhos!!!
Rodrigo
Diego, Brussels,
Bernhard, Hamburg, Germany, If you win it you deserve it!
All good teams ride their luck they win when they play badly, you have done that however you can't afford to play badly against Spain they will destroy you.
Both teams in the final deserve to be there who ever wins will derserve it!!
Chris Fry, Weston super Mare, England
It was a great game yesterday. Spain played a great football. I think they have performed better than Germany so far. But Germany is Germany and they are a great team with great players. So the final should be very interesting. I think Spain gets in a better shape to the final but, let's see.
José Luis, Vienna, Austria
Thanks very much to this beautifull comements coming to other countries. Andrei you are very kind conglatulating us and we hope to see you again like you say. Germany is difficult, we knows, but there are a advertisment in Spain,the important is not to win is to work hard.I hope to see a exciting mt
Laura, Burgos, Spain
Congratulations to Spain! How interesting would the semi-final have been if they were playing the Dutch???
irv, masd,
I have a terrible head ache, i sleeped 3 hours, i'm tired, my mouth taste bad... and here i am fresh and happy as a spring rose in the office. What a party last night!!!!!.... If we win in sunday you all are convide to the biggest fiesta in the world.
We are proud of our team and we deserve to win
Roberto, Madrid, Spain
It`s great to see how the Spanish players and fans underestimate our team . That is exactly what our team wants.
To be honest: the only class team Spain had do play against during the tournament was Italy. As far I can remember this geme was not influenced by Spanish magic and superioty.
Christian Rudolph, Wuerzburg, Germany
Germany are unlikely to play any worse than in the semi-final; Spain are unlikely to play any better. Who peaked too soon?
john, milton keynes,
Thank you Spain (Marchena, Silva, Senna, Villa, et all) and a special mention to Luis Aragones, for gathering such a group of good players together, against all the silly press (some think they know it all). WELL DONE SPAIN!! YOU DESERVE THE FINAL VICTORY!!. And now go for Germany...they shaking!!!
Sheridan Santamaria, Essex, England
we dont repeat Gary Lineker in Germany very often. We know that it takes hard work and much more to winn this title. Spain played outstanding and deserves to have the bets on their side. It will be a fabulous final in which both teams and fans will give their outmost.
dave, Hamburg,
Eusebio Anes, you are of the a little bit, of course i am not but i respect everybody.I hope Spain beat Germany, not because they deserve more, because Germany is in the final, it will be because he fought for that.Daniel, the only one annoying are you, Spain support Portugal, me too.
Laura, Burgos, Spain
A fine team so reminiscent of holland in 1974 and Hungary in 1954....and guess who is lurking around the corner?
Peter Foster, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Spain, please beat the luckiest team in the world!
Jan de B. , London,
Spain are good, but incredibly overrated at the moment. People are talking about them like they are the next Brazil - they are the best of an average bunch of teams in this years forgettable tournament, that's it!
They are yet to be properly challanged and so the final shall be fascinating.
James Chester, London,
Lovely article Martin, the best one I have read, congrats! Yesterday's match wasn't just a match, it was a master 's class of fine football performance... art? Not very easy to see it again, only Brazil did it so well in the early 70's... very impressive... we are all proud saying VIVA ESPAÑA!
DPD
David, Barcelona, Spain
"Jerry" is hardly impartial. Spain will beat Germany - no contest.
Malcolm Stephens, Burgess Hill, United Kingdom
As Lineker says Football is 11 versus 11 and Germany wins. Not this time. Spain plays so good they can't lose. It reminds me of FC Barcelona 3 years ago when they won the Champions League. They're in a winning mood and they will achieve.
Raúl, Barcelona, Spain
I sincerely hope Germany win so that our annoying and intrusive neighbours don't win it again. Go Deutschland! You can play boring yet efficient football and at the end of the day that's all that matters as we learnt last week when we played you.
Daniel Amaral, Praia da Luz, Algarve, Portugal
Was this the same Russian team that played so well in the quarter final? This was such a lacklustre performance from the Russians that the question has to be asked. Was the match fixed?
jim bamber, Kenley, UK
Lots of soccer reporters argue against spanish defense, saying it is weak... That's not what I've seen! Russia disappeared from the field thanks to a great defensive teamwork and midfield pressure. It could have been a very tough game without Ramos or Puyol!
Pau, Barcelona, Spain
Germany will win against spain but it will be close
Jerry, New York, USA
Almost everybody here talks of knocking out GERMANY. I thought Spain knocked out RUSSIA yesterday?? Spain played great , congrats!! But it only matters how both sides play on Sunday. If Germany loses, Spain deserves the title for sure. And if Germany wins...ah, I know you all: WE NEVER DESERVE IT.
Bernhard, Hamburg, Germany
It was a gift to all football fans. I hope Spain beat German, we deserve it. Go Spain, go!. Vamos (Come on)
Lolo, Madrid, Spain
Superb! I don't know if Spain will beat Germany or not ( I hope yes) but sometimes it's more important how you play and get your goals. Do you remember or hear about dutch style in world cup74?
Congratulations Spain and go on! Podemos (we can)
Carlos, Madrid,
Martin,
Please can you find out what the deal is with "Come on!"? I've seen it said this tournament by both players and management, notably last night by Gus Hiddink. Is it one of those phrases that has crossed language barriers to become universal? Or am I just lip-reading wrongly?
Thanks!
Tony
Tony, Street, UK
Thank you, Andrei. Yours is also an attacking team with young and talented players. I wish we can defeat you again... but the next time at the final match of the next world championship! ;-)
Igor, Pamplona, Spain
Now we are going to win the square headed
(only a joke) with a round ball.
Tato Dulanci, Vitoria, Spain
Gracias. Thank you all for your words. It's going to be a very exciting final. Fair play over all. Greetings from one of the many Spaniards in love with the U.K. Rule Britania...and Spain.
Eusebio Anes, Huelva, Spain
Spain made a real awesome job yesterday. Guys u really deserved to be the champions, I always support to spain when there is no Russia at chapionship, But its still a BIG WIN for Russia to be in semi-final, hope its gonna be a good start for our progress in football. see ya all at World Cup.
Nikita, Moscow, Russia
This Spain reminds me of that Brazil that won the heart of the world a few decades ago. Ramos, Puyol and Marchena were simply amazing, and I do believe that Senna, Xavi, Fábregas, Iniesta and Silva are the best midfield of the world at the moment. It's a pity, cause I'm sure Villa would have scored.
Oliver, Madrid, Spain
We are a great and georgeus Nation allready, Spain is in fashion, here we have the better football and the most beautiful girls...the red fury makes it good to be alive. Thank you for your support. See you in worldcup 2010.
Julio, Colmenar Viejo,
Thank you, very thank you Spain. It was an Exibition.
Manuel Megolla, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Again: would you have preferred that game to be the final? I guess not ...
Samuel Vogel, Helsinki,
Great match, we really enjoyed it. On sunday we will be champions!!!
Nuria, Sevilla, Spain
Best match ever! Go Spain!!!
Eduardo, Palencia, Spain
Normally the Spanish come here to tell us how bias the British writers are. Because Spain is being complimented, no comments about the non-qualifying English?
Spain's problems are a physically stronger midfield (Deco wilted under Germany), and dangerous headers from any cross/free kick in their half
Talese Amer, London_town,
history its change, spain 4 germany 1
"A POR ELLOS"
Fran, Granada, Spain
Spain outplayed and outfought the over hyped Russian team.
More importantly they won playing beautiful and attractive total football.
I sincerely hope that all our overpaid English players , have learned a thing or two abou the importance of ball possession.
Zeci , London, UK
Congratulations to Spain, you really deserved it.
For some reason the Spanish team is just immune to this total football thing and our national team is no good in playing any defensive style (as the 1st half clearly showed).
Good luck in the finals and stay in shape . We'll be back !!! :-)
Andrei, Novosibirsk, Russia
Even though I feel Spain is the better team, I have come to learn to never underestimate the Germans...
Clay , New York, US
It's just like watching the Arsenal!
Louise, London,
Thank you, Mr Samuel, for a superb article on last night´s epic game. The boys made us proud again, simply beautiful. Let´s hope they do get the glory they deserve on Sunday. PODEMOS
Aida, Bilbao, Spain
I am very much looking forward to the final. Germany have proved to perform at their best if they are being shown as the underdog. After Spain's performance, Germany are definitely the underdog for Sunday but exactly that will make them more menacing for Spain. We will lift the cup for the 4th time!
Heinrich, Cologne, Germany
I really much appreciate every kind and tender word that you all people from different countries, even Germany, is dedicating to our team. I am not a football fan but I must say I really enjoyed yesterday match. This is FIESTA!
Juan José, Sevilla, Spain
Spain deserve a trophy for their impressive dedication to playing attractive and attacking minded football throughout the past decades. What a contrast with Germany.
VIVA ESPAÑA! Make us proud!
Erik, the Hague, Netherlands
We can! Now we believe it...
Martin, Vigo, Spain
"Football is a simple game, 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win" Gary Lineker
Xavi, REUS, Spain
Thank you Spain for this FOOTBALL. The sunday the show must go on!!!!!!
Patrick, Paris, France
The most amazing thing for me last night was not that they played with style, determination and accuracy but that they played with all these things in the most hideous driving, unforgiving rain. Total class. No primadonas in sight, just honest football. A true lesson. Go Spain..
Julia, Dubai,
Spain taught the Russians how to play elegant football, next Germany.
HalaRyan, Toronto,
At the end of a competition it's very difficult to make the 'perfect game', at the first all the players were nervous but in the second half the took away their nerves and make a game like a champion, i don't know if the 'Red Fury' will won the final, but, i'm enjoying a lot every match they play
Joaquin, Seville, Spain
Today FOOTBALL had been the real Winner!!!. Magic, explotion, creation, imagination, Attack and much more....I hope every game as that one tonigth would be possible for football lover´s. Impressive Spain doing nicest Europe Football in the last 15 years. Organissationg and Creation!
Richter, Frankfurt, Germany
Spain: The Best Country to live in and the best country on football.
Go Spain GO!
Germany: You have no anything to do...
WE CAN (PODEMOS)
Jon, Bilbao, Spain
All I know is that if Spain do win this thing, its going to be one hell of a party (and I want to be invited)!
Good luck Spain...would be good to see you win - you've got they players and style.
AT, Sydney,
yeah,we did it&we got through the final against all predictions(all except Mr. Lovejoy in S.Times 3weeks ago) Brilliant game.&despite Villa might not play on Sunday I believe Spain has enough very good players as to beat Germ.but in case we lost, i'm gonna b very proud of this team.Podemos,we can!!
Olga Olschewski , Teddington, UK
Spain is on fire and it certainly deserves to lift the trophy. No one has played better that Spain, appart from maybe Holland in the first games. Therefore, Spain should win it. Also, this is the best Spanish team ever. So it is the right time. Great life to beautiful football! Viva España!
Alberto, Madrid, Spain
Congratulations go to Spain!
God save attacking football. Spain, the most impressive team in Euro 2008. They deserve the final victory. I hope the beat the germans on Sunday.
Steven Clarke, Leeds, England
I never have seen spain playing footballl as tonight, they seem like Brasil 72 team, amazing. A perfect second half.
We can still dreaming.
Rubeniken, Barcelona,
Well done Spain!. Superb second half. Please keep on the good work and good luck on the final match!.
Joseph, Bilbao, Spain
Very impressive performance!
Fast, artistic and precise. A frightening team - because the russians let them.
Peter, Berlin, Germany
Great performance from Spain as the Russian bear went into hibernation! Especially Fabregas, subbed earlier than expected when Villa injured - he instantly made a difference and set up goals 2 & 3. I fancied Spain pre-tournament & hope they win now - not knocking Germany, but "it's Spain's turn"...
Mike, High Wycombe, UK
Spain good win again over Russia ,and generally adecent side,but nothing more than that at present . Is that enough to be champions ????
Antoine, Warsaw
Antoine, Warsaw, Poland
Thanks Martin, this time your comments are fair enough. I am sorry you did not appreciate the fantastic game Spain did against Italy.
Luis Abia, London, uk
I'm glad you finally managed to watch one of the Spanish matches. The game, quality and ''class'' of the Spanish team all have been there from day one. Yes, including when the played against Italy. It took you a while to admit it, but in the end, you did it, I guess that quality speaks for itself
Charlotte, London, UK
Russia ain't no Turkey, that's for sure.
Sam, Manchester, UK
i hope we' ll win this championship beacause we had waited that for 44 years.
dany, albacete, albacete
The Final should be great. I kind of feel like Spain is a superior version of Portugal; they have just as creative and threatening a midfield, but with the added benefit of great strikers to finish off golden chances. That said, the Spanish back-line, and their handling of crosses, might cost them.
Klaus, Los Angeles, The United States
That was a brilliant match by the "wonder team". I hope Spain wins this championship because they deserve it for the football quality our team is carrying out. I think that the same cannot be said about Germany, which obviously is a sound finalist.
Igor, Pamplona,
After year & year......... yes WE CAN!!!!! ESPAÑA, ESPAÑA
silvia, madrid, spain