Euro 2008 - Day 4: Spain's David Villa Destroys Russia's Defense
June 10th 2008 20:35
With such an attacking depth on their roster, it's no surprise that the Spanish team easily defeated a young and inexperienced Russian team 4-1. It took a while for the players to settle into a natural flow as referee Konrad Plautz abused his whistle in the first ten minutes. The Spanish also had some trouble finding their way through Russia's five-man midfield in the early stages, but they quickly found holes here and there by staying extremely mobile. Once Spain passed Russia's stacked midfield, they immediately realized that their opponent's backline was a fishing net riddled with holes. Both Fernando Torres and David Villa easily got rid of their markers with exquisite first touches. But it wasn't until the two forwards combined their efforts that Spain got on the scoreboard.
Indeed at the 20th minute, Torres quickly left his marker in the dust and, spotting his teammate at the corner of his eye, unselfishly passed the ball back to Villa who scored in an empty net. Villa scored his second at the 24th minute after receiving a nice pass from Iniesta. What struck me on this goal was the Russian defenders' lack of anticipation. The Spanish players had tried that pass two or three times before the goal and yet the Russians never reacted in kind. They did try the offside trap but Villa was patient enough to beat the trap and simply push the ball in between Akinfeev's legs.
Spain continued their dominant display in the second half with Villa desperately wanting a third goal. The Russians weren't about to declare themselves beaten however, and they made some nice forays into Spanish territory, alas with no success. With Russia pressing for a goal, Aragones made his first substitution, replacing Torres by Cesc Fabregas. It took a while for Arsenal's midfielder to get into the game as Russia had most of the possession. His amazing field vision finally came into play at the 74th minute when he made a sublime cross right into Villa's path. The striker shook off his marker with a nice move and beat Akinfeev with a nice shot right inside the first post.
Russia managed to salvage their pride on a corner kick at the 86th minute. Casillas' cat-like agility wasn't enough to stop Pavlyuchenko's header from entering the goal. The Russians had the chance to make it 3-2 on another corner in the 90th minute but the Spanish defense stood tall and set a counterattack in motion which ended with Fabregas scoring his team's fourth goal with a diving header.
Although the Russians definitely looked weak in defense (they have some serious trouble in center defense), their attack seemed pretty potent and it took all the poise of Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena to stop the Russians dead in their tracks. While everyone will talk about Villa's hat trick, the Spanish midfielders (including Torres) who set up the goals with beautiful passes should definitely get some of the credit. They supported Villa all match long, consequently making the striker's job a lot more easier. It was the most entertaining game of the competition so far with the Netherlands-Italy match a close second.
My man of the match: David Villa. Three goals, one assist. Need I say more?
Honorable mention: Carles Puyol. The veteran defender was a rock in Spain's backline. He often corrected Sergio Ramos' mistakes on the flank and his solid positioning prevented the Russians from taking quality shots at the net.
Indeed at the 20th minute, Torres quickly left his marker in the dust and, spotting his teammate at the corner of his eye, unselfishly passed the ball back to Villa who scored in an empty net. Villa scored his second at the 24th minute after receiving a nice pass from Iniesta. What struck me on this goal was the Russian defenders' lack of anticipation. The Spanish players had tried that pass two or three times before the goal and yet the Russians never reacted in kind. They did try the offside trap but Villa was patient enough to beat the trap and simply push the ball in between Akinfeev's legs.
Spain continued their dominant display in the second half with Villa desperately wanting a third goal. The Russians weren't about to declare themselves beaten however, and they made some nice forays into Spanish territory, alas with no success. With Russia pressing for a goal, Aragones made his first substitution, replacing Torres by Cesc Fabregas. It took a while for Arsenal's midfielder to get into the game as Russia had most of the possession. His amazing field vision finally came into play at the 74th minute when he made a sublime cross right into Villa's path. The striker shook off his marker with a nice move and beat Akinfeev with a nice shot right inside the first post.
Russia managed to salvage their pride on a corner kick at the 86th minute. Casillas' cat-like agility wasn't enough to stop Pavlyuchenko's header from entering the goal. The Russians had the chance to make it 3-2 on another corner in the 90th minute but the Spanish defense stood tall and set a counterattack in motion which ended with Fabregas scoring his team's fourth goal with a diving header.
Although the Russians definitely looked weak in defense (they have some serious trouble in center defense), their attack seemed pretty potent and it took all the poise of Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena to stop the Russians dead in their tracks. While everyone will talk about Villa's hat trick, the Spanish midfielders (including Torres) who set up the goals with beautiful passes should definitely get some of the credit. They supported Villa all match long, consequently making the striker's job a lot more easier. It was the most entertaining game of the competition so far with the Netherlands-Italy match a close second.
My man of the match: David Villa. Three goals, one assist. Need I say more?
Honorable mention: Carles Puyol. The veteran defender was a rock in Spain's backline. He often corrected Sergio Ramos' mistakes on the flank and his solid positioning prevented the Russians from taking quality shots at the net.
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