Spain slumbers after a wild night

Spain slumbers after a wild night



Spain woke up with a UEFA EURO 2008™-sized hangover on Monday after wild celebrations accompanied the national team's first major success in 44 years.
Relief and joy
Fernando Torres's strike at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion on Sunday night proved to be the only goal of the final against Germany, and handed Spain their only major tournament victory since they beat the Soviet Union to win the 1964 UEFA European Championship. Having lost to France in the 1984 final and been branded as underachievers ever since, relief and joy spilled out on to the streets. Elated fans draped in red and yellow Spanish flags thronged the streets in the hot summer evening in Madrid, cheering and shouting "Viva España" as the fiesta began.

'I'm crying'
"I couldn't watch. I can't believe it. They really deserve it," said 38-year-old teacher Eva Lumbreras, coming out of her house in a Madrid suburb to join other revellers outside as fireworks lit up the sky. Cars and motorcycles gridlocked roads, blaring their horns. Thousands of spectators with their faces painted yellow and red cried and hugged each other at the Plaza de Colón, the central Madrid square where the match had been aired on a giant screen. "I'm crying," said 28-year-old telephone engineer Héctor López in a central Madrid bar. "We've been waiting 44 years for this. We had to prove what we could do and we did it. It's going to give the country a lift."

Next step
Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was in no mood to dampen national expectations after watching Luis Aragonés's side claim victory in the Austrian capital alongside King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain. "This is just the beginning, the best is yet to come," he said in a television interview. "Now we're going for the [FIFA] World Cup."

Spain dominate Team of the Tournament

Spain dominate Team of the Tournament



The UEFA Technical Team has named its UEFA EURO 2008™ Team of the Tournament, with no fewer than nine Spanish players being named in the final 23.

Team breakdown
The nine-strong group of experienced football technicians who have followed every game at the tournament decided the final selection, and the success of Luis Aragonés's side was underlined by the fact that nine Spain players made the final cut, with the remainder of the squad comprising three players from beaten finalists Germany, four from Russia, two each from the Netherlands and Portugal and a single player representing Turkey, Croatia and Italy.

'Not about reputations'
UEFA Technical Director Andy Roxburgh said: "The Team of the Tournament is something which we put into our technical report for our coaching colleagues. We give them pointers on the players that our technical experts have appreciated during this event. This team is very much self-contained in terms of the tournament - this is not about reputations. In fact there are only four players in here who were in our UEFA Champions League team of the competition. It's all very much about the performances in this competition. We haven't included anybody who was knocked out in the group phase."

UEFA EURO 2008™ Team of the Tournament
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands).

Defenders: Bosingwa (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Carlos Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Carles Puyol (Spain), Yuri Zhirkov (Russia).

Midfielders: Hamit Altıntop (Turkey), Luka Modrić (Croatia), Marcos Senna (Spain), Xavi Hernández (Spain), Konstantin Zyryanov (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Cesc Fàbregas (Spain), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands).

Forwards: Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain).

Xavi emerges as EURO's top man

Xavi emerges as EURO's top man





Spain midfielder Xavi Hernández has been named as the Castrol Player of the Tournament for UEFA EURO 2008™ after his stirring displays aided his nation to the title.

Tecnhicians' approval
The 28-year-old FC Barcelona player played in five games at the finals and scored once as Spain earned their first major international success since beating the Soviet Union in the final of the 1964 UEFA European Championship. His ability to dictate the pace of the game from midfield brought him to the attention of the UEFA Technical Team who decide upon the Castrol Player of the Tournament, taking into account votes from the public. UEFA Technical Directoir Andy Roxburgh said: "We chose him because we think he epitomises the Spanish style of play. He was extremely influential in the whole possession, passing, penetrating kind of game that Spain played."

Growing reputation
The 1-0 final victory in Vienna marked Xavi's 63rd cap for Spain since making his debut – along with team-mate Carles Puyol – in a game against the Netherlands on 15 November 2000. He had been an unused squad player with Spain at UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal but was a first-team regular by the time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany, and showed maturity and no small amount of brilliance in Austria and Switzerland.

Emotional Aragonés bows out on a high

Emotional Aragonés bows out on a high




Luis Aragonés was "full of emotion" after Fernando Torres's first-half goal gave Spain victory in the UEFA EURO 2008™ final – for the country's first silverware since 1964 – and gave the outgoing coach the pleasure of a job well done. For Germany's Joachim Löw, meanwhile, obvious disappointment at the defeat was tempered by the progress shown by his squad and the excitement of the challenges that lay ahead.

Luis Aragonés, Spain coach
We have put together a group that plays well, that keeps the ball and mixes their passes very well and that is difficult to stop. We work hard together, those that play more and those that play slightly less, and we've managed to get there. This is a happy day for Spain – we've won this tournament in style and we're very happy. Now we will start expecting to win on this sort of stage.

Many people will look at this Spain team because it has been a model for playing football. I think all football lovers want people to make good combinations, to get into the penalty area and to score goals. At the beginning I said that if we managed this squad well, we would be champions. The team just thought I was trying to give them confidence. I just hope Spain carry on in this way and have many more victories.

Fernando Torres is a great player for Liverpool [FC] and for Spain. He can do anything. Why? He has such extraordinary speed and he knows how to dribble at pace. He is so young and could learn to do anything. He could be one of the best players in the world, no doubt. I am delighted. I usually don't show what I feel, but I'm full inside. I don't get very emotional but there were moments out there from some of my players that filled me with emotion. I'm like that – I don't show it but I'm so full of feelings. That's my way of showing it – other people might be more expressive.

Joachim Löw, Germany coach
I'd like to congratulate Spain and their coach, because we have to recognise the high quality of their play. They played really well during the whole tournament, and today they were technically excellent and had more chances than us. They deserved to win. We're disappointed that we didn't win but I think we can be satisfied with the tournament as a whole. The team performed very well over the 45 days we've spent together, we had a lot of fun and enjoyed it, but we were very ambitious too. This defeat is going to be an incentive to work hard over the next two years in a number of areas and to improve, so that in qualifying we can reach our target of playing in the [FIFA] World Cup.

For some time, our focus has been on playing without the ball, ball possession, fast passes and direct contact. This is important in football, particularly at high speed and under pressure. We're aware that Spain are very good at that. Over the last two years we have shown that we're also fast and good at combinations. Looking at the last few tournaments we're right at the top in Europe and the team in recent years have learned a lot. They have developed well but we know we must not lose energy and strength – we must go on working and improving.

Casillas and Villa savour just deserts

Casillas and Villa savour just deserts



Spain's captain and top scorer chorused their approval after the UEFA EURO 2008™ final produced a worthy winner in Luis Aragonés's stylish selection.

By a distance
For Iker Casillas and David Villa, there was no doubt that La Roja deserved their success, bringing home the crown for the second time following Spain's European triumph of 1964. Villa, who finished as the tournament's four-goal leading marksman despite being injured for the 1-0 final victory over Germany, led the applause by telling euro2008.com: "We have had a great tournament and we have been the best team by a distance in all our games. There hasn't been one game where we won because we were lucky – we have won by being the better team every time."

From Belfast to Vienna
And the Valencia CF forward singled out coach Aragonés for piecing together a glorious campaign from the wreck of a 3-2 qualifying-stage defeat by Northern Ireland in September 2006. "The gaffer is the man behind this success," Villa insisted. "If you remember, it was 18 months to two years ago that we had a tough night in Belfast, losing to Northern Ireland, and he deserves the credit for sticking with this team. He, more than anyone, is responsible for this victory. However, this trophy is for everyone, for all the boys who played tonight and for the rest of the team as well. We have all been really happy to be a part of this adventure. We have done the country proud and we are all going to enjoy it now."

Overdue success
According to captain Casillas, the measure of Spanish national pride in this achievement would only be felt when the players returned home with the Henri Delaunay trophy on Monday. "I still can't believe we've done it," the goalkeeper told euro2008.com. "We can't really know what is happening in Spain right now, but we know what it is like in the dressing room and we are living this success with the squad and with the fans who have come here to support us. But I'm sure they are absolutely delighted back home. It is about time they had something like this to celebrate because Spain is a proper football country and we'll get to see more of this tomorrow.

A phenomenon
"We are dedicating this win to the Spanish people – and me personally to everyone in my life, personally and professionally," continued Casillas, who conceded only two goals during Spain's six games from their Group D procession in Innsbruck and Salzburg, through to the final waltz in Vienna. "I would agree that we've been the best team if you look at the games we've played. We deserved to beat Italy in the quarter-finals, it was an emphatic win against Russia and today was the same." As with Villa, though, the final word was reserved for departing coach Aragonés, Casillas saying: "He is a phenomenon, it's a shame he is leaving the job because he really is a phenomenon."

Spain 1 - 0 Germany

Spain 1 - 0 Germany





German boss Joachim Low will have to work his magic as half-time arrives with his team trailing the Spanish by a single goal

Spain's captain Iker Casillas is never really threatened in the Spanish goal as the Germans desperately search for an equaliser


Senna goes agonisingly close to doubling Spain's lead 10 minutes from time but he fails to connect with Santi Cazorla's cross



The final whistle sparks wild celebrations amongst Spanish players and heartbreak for Ballack and his German team-mates

Spain's players and coaching staff celebrate winning their first trophy for 44 years with a superb display of attacking football in Vienna



Schweinsteiger sums up the feelings of Germany's players and fans as elated Spaniards savour victory on the balmy Vienna evening

Casillas lifts the Euro 2008 trophy and in doing so ends Spain's lengthy wait for international silverware

The rest of the team share in their captain's delight as the Spanish party gets into full swing across the globe

Germany 0-1 Spain

Germany 0-1 Spain



Spain's Marcos Senna and Carlos Marchena shadow midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger as the Germans dominate the opening minutes

Germany's Michael Ballack threatens the Spanish defence and shows no signs of the calf injury that threatened his appearance in the final

Spain respond to the early German dominance as Jens Lehmann is called into action to save a deflected Andres Iniesta effort

Spanish defender Sergio Ramos heads the ball clear under pressure from Ballack during the entertaining encounter


Spanish striker Fernando Torres is unlucky not to open the scoring as his towering header beats Lehmann but comes back off the post

Spain's period of dominance is rewarded as Torres beats the German defence before superbly dinking the ball beyond Lehmann

The Spanish striker celebrates after scoring his second goal of the tournament in the 33rd minute to give Spain a crucial lead

The Spanish capital erupts after witnessing the Torres goal on giant screens in the fan zone in Madrid's Plaza de Colon

Germany 0-1 Spain

Germany 0-1 Spain



Spain claimed their first major title for 44 years after winning Euro 2008 with a deserved victory over Germany.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was Spain's goal hero, striking after 33 minutes when he cleverly lifted Xavi's pass over Germany keeper Jens Lehmann.

Spain dominated the final throughout, with Torres heading against the post and Marcos Senna almost adding a second from close range after 80 minutes.

Michael Ballack came close for Germany, shooting narrowly wide after the break.

Spain have long had a reputation as under-achievers on the big occasions, but this was a richly-merited victory for veteran coach Luis Aragones and a team that played outstanding football throughout the tournament.

Germany were outclassed, and for captain Ballack his catalogue of misery in major finals continues having lost two Champions League finals and also been suspended for the 2002 World Cup final when they lost to Brazil.

Match-winner Torres enhanced the reputation he forged at Liverpool last season, but this was an all-round effort for a side that is young enough to already be marked down among the favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Germany were lifted by Ballack declaring himself fit after a calf injury - but he had little impact on a first 45 minutes in which Spain were the vastly-superior side.

Andres Iniesta almost created the opening goal for Spain in the 13th minute when his driven cross took a deflection off Christoph Metzelder, but Lehmann pulled off a fine reflex save.

And they came even closer nine minutes later when Torres rose to meet Sergio Ramos's cross, but his header bounced to safety off the post.

But he was not to be denied and put Spain ahead with a trademark piece of sharpness in front of goal after 33 minutes.

Xavi's pass created uncertainty for Germany defender Philipp Lahm and Torres shrugged him off the ball to lift a superb finish beyond Lehmann.

Germany's problems threatened to worsen when Ballack needed lengthy treatment for an eye wound after a clash of heads with Marcos Senna.

David Silva then wasted a perfect opportunity to double Spain's advantage when he was set up by Iniesta, but he rushed his finish and shot wildly over the top.

Germany made a change at half-time, sending on Marcell Jansen for Lahm, but it was still Spain who dominated.

Xavi and Silva were both off target - but Germany were sticking to their task and almost grabbed an equaliser when Ballack shot just wide after Carles Puyol had conceded possession in a dangerous area.

Spain continued to look the more threatening side, but there was still the lingering prospect of Germany's refusal to accept defeat yielding an unlikely equaliser.

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Casillas lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy for Spain
Silva was fortunate to stay on the pitch when he appeared to motion to head-butt Germany's Lukas Podolski, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti decided against taking any action.

Ramos should have put the game beyond Germany's reach after 66 minutes when he headed straight at Lehmann from point-blank range as he got on the end of Xavi's free-kick.

Iniesta then had a shot cleared off the line by Torsten Frings and another effort saved by Lehmann as Spain looked in the mood to add a second.

And Germany had a remarkable escape after 80 minutes when substitute Daniel Guiza - on for Torres - headed the ball straight into Senna's path right in front of goal, but he could not apply the final touch.

Spain were not made to pay for their generosity in front of goal and ran out worthy winners.


Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Lahm (Jansen 46), Hitzlsperger (Kuranyi 58), Frings, Podolski, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Klose (Gomez 79).
Subs Not Used: Enke, Adler, Fritz, Westermann, Rolfes, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor.

Booked: Ballack, Kuranyi.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Iniesta, Fabregas (Alonso 63), Xavi, Silva (Santi Cazorla 66), Torres (Guiza 78).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Villa, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.

Booked: Casillas, Torres.

Goals: Torres 33.

Att: 51,428

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

Efficiency the key for clinical Germany

Efficiency the key for clinical Germany




Germany came into UEFA EURO 2008™ as many people's favourites to lift the trophy. They have received some criticism for their style of play but have nevertheless reached their sixth EURO final – largely through their ability to find the net at crucial times.

Four from five
Joachim Löw's side have won four of their five matches, the only exception being their second group game, which they lost 2-1 to Croatia in Klagenfurt. All but the opening match, a 2-0 win against Poland, have been won by a one-goal margin, with each of their two knockout fixtures finishing 3-2 in their favour. It will be a source of some anxiety for Löw and his coaching staff that the team conceded two goals against both Portugal and Turkey – whereas final opponents Spain kept their goal intact in both the quarter-final and semi-final – but against that the six goals they scored in those two knockout encounters was twice as many as Spain managed.

Chances converted
It is Germany's ability to convert their chances that has been the keynote to their qualification for the final. They have scored ten goals from just 23 shots on target in their five matches, a conversion rate that dwarfs those of every other team, including Spain, who have found the net eleven times from 44 efforts on target. Lukas Podolski set the tone by scoring with both of his shots on goal in the opening game against Poland, and the team's ruthless edge in the opposition penalty area was plain for all to see against Turkey when, despite being on the back foot for much of the game, they converted all three of their efforts on goal, the last of them, from full-back Philipp Lahm, arriving in the last minute.

Right-side struggles
In general attacking terms, Germany sit just above mid-table in most of the Castrol performance classifications. The exception is in the number of attacks they have launched from the right – just 14 in total at an average of 2.8 per game, the latter figure bettered by every other participating team bar Sweden. Clearly Germany have problems in this area and it is no coincidence that all six goals they scored against Portugal and Turkey, whether from set-piece or open play, originated from the opposite flank.

Set-piece expertise
Left-back Lahm's ability to get forward, cut inside and swing in accurate right-footed crosses is a danger that Spain coach Luis Aragonés will seek to address, the overriding message to right-back Sergio Ramos being to keep the FC Bayern München defender pinned to the touchline on his left foot. With wide midfielder Podolski, a genuine left-footer, the opposite applies. Germany also have an advantage over Spain at free-kicks, with three of their ten goals having been sourced in this manner – whether with a direct shot, as in Michael Ballack's match-winning thunderbolt against Austria, or with Bastian Schweinsteiger's two deliveries on to the heads of Miroslav Klose and Ballack against Portugal.

Cause for concern
Spain, by contrast, have yet to score from a free-kick but did concede from one against Greece. Germany may no longer be the favourites to reclaim the Henri Delaunay trophy as they prepare to take on in-form Spain in Vienna on Sunday night, but they have attributes that will undoubtedly give their opponents plenty of cause for concern.

Calf injury causes Ballack concern

Calf injury causes Ballack concern



Germany could go into Sunday's final against Spain without their captain and inspiration Michael Ballack as the midfielder is receiving treatment for a calf injury.
Notable absentee
The 31-year-old sat out the team's final training session in Tenero on Friday and was also a notable absentee tonight as the team were put through their paces at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion on the eve of the UEFA EURO 2008™ showpiece. "The muscles has tightened and we'll have to wait and see how things develop," explained coach Joachim Löw. "Our medical people are working around the clock to give him a chance to play."

'Still a chance'
Ballack also missed the 2002 FIFA World Cup through suspension and Löw said that should the Mannschaft's captain not recover, then either Tim Borowski or Bastian Schweinsteiger will assume his place. "He's team captain and an extremely important player, but if he is not fit then someone else will take his position," the 48-year-old added. "Having a squad of 23 means those who haven't played much are highly motivated. We'll have to cope, we will find a solution. I've not counted Michael Ballack out yet though. There is still a chance."

Craft meets graft in Vienna finale

Craft meets graft in Vienna finale




Guus Hiddink is expecting an intriguing conclusion to UEFA EURO 2008™ as two teams with contrasting styles vie for glory at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. "I look forward to seeing a physically powerful team coming up against one who likes to play one-touch football," said the Russia coach.
No prediction
The Dutchman knows all about Germany, and twice had the misfortune to see the Spanish machine in full flow in these finals – his side going down 4-1 in the group stage and 3-0 in the last four to the Iberians. Speaking in the wake of that semi-final reverse, Hiddink said: "I like teams who focus on attack and enjoy playing. This Spanish team is very experienced and love to play this type of football. They can create chances as well, and have a chance in the final." Of the Germans, he added: "They always have one or two good games and one or two scrappy ones but they're always where they want to be. I look forward to a physically powerful team coming up against one that likes to play one-touch football – but I cannot predict who will win."

Classy midfield
Hiddink attributed his team's exit to the excellence of the Spain midfield, admitting the Russians could not cope once injured striker David Villa had been replaced by Cesc Fàbregas. "The movement of the Spanish midfield is excellent," he said. "When the extra midfielder came on they got even better; played more one-touch football. That was difficult to play against as there was a lot of changing of positions at a good pace. You feel as though it's only a matter of time [before they score] – that's their class." Michael Ballack and Co have been warned.

Aragonés's Spain scratch 24-year itch

Aragonés's Spain scratch 24-year itch



Luis Aragonés warned before the start of UEFA EURO 2008™ that Spain lacked just two things if they wanted to become champions – how to manage a game and that elusive stroke of luck. There is no greater test of managing a knockout match in modern football than outplaying world champions Italy and then winning on penalties. Here in Austria/Switzerland, Spain have both matured and helped themselves to slices of good fortune – semi-final opponents Russia hit the post while dominating the start of the teams' first group game, then Iker Casillas outdid Giuanluigi Buffon in the Vienna shoot-out with Italy. They needed no luck against Russia on Thursday, though.

Route to the final
The section opener against Russia saw Spain survive a torrid first 20 minutes before prevailing 4-1 with David Villa scoring three goals and laying on a fourth. Four days later, Spain briefly led Sweden thanks to a training-ground corner routine and a muscular Fernando Torres finish but Zlatan Ibrahimović equalised before Villa won the game in the last seconds. La Furia Roja had won Group D and Aragonés successfully rested ten of his starting XI against Greece, as his side claimed a 2-1 comeback victory earned by Rubén de la Red and Daniel Güiza.

The quarter-final against Italy was goalless and although Gianluigi Buffon saved from Güiza in the shoot-out decider, Casillas had already denied Daniele De Rossi and then blocked Antonio Di Natale's effort. It was the cue for Cesc Fàbregas to step up and send his side through, 4-2 on penalties. Fàbregas was also central to Spain's triumph against Russia in the last four after coming on for the injured Villa ten minutes before half-time. After Xavi Hernández had broken the deadlock, the Arsenal FC man set up further goals for Güiza and David Silva.

Final record
Spain lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy in 1964 when they beat reigning champions USSR 2-1 in Madrid, with Marcelino scoring the decisive goal six minutes from time. Twenty years later they lost the 1984 final to hosts France, succumbing to goals from Michel Platini and Bruno Bellone at the Parc des Princes.
• 1964 USSR W 2-1
• 1984 France L 2-0

Pivotal moment
Unquestionably Casillas saving from De Rossi and Di Natale in the quarter-final shoot-out on 22 June, the very day on which Spain had fallen on penalties to Belgium at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, to England at EURO '96™ and to Korea Republic at the 2002 World Cup.

Key player
Until he suffered his thigh injury it was Villa but in the striker's absence it may be Casillas. The Spain captain's heroics against the Azzurri have been much documented but he has been consistently brilliant throughout the tournament. Had he not go his fingertips to Roman Pavlyuchenko's arcing shot on Thursday with the scores still goalless, the match may have panned out very differently. If Casillas has any weakness it is perhaps when up against an aerial threat, so his handling of Miroslav Klose may be crucial.

Tactics
Against Sweden, Italy and the two games with Russia, both the 4-1-3-2 shape and the personnel were identical. That changed in the semi-finals when Villa was forced off and Aragonés brought on Fàbregas as his side switched to a 4-1-3-1-1 formation. From then on Spain were almost unplayable, with Russia coach Guus Hiddink admitting: "We could handle Torres and Villa in the first half OK, but with the change taking a striker off and a midfielder coming on, they gained more ability." Andrés Iniesta sometimes switches wings, from right to left, without Silva crossing to the right.

Shoot-out record
Three wins from six. As mentioned, all the defeats came in 22 June quarter-finals, against Belgium, England and Korea Republic. The last of those followed a last-16 penalties triumph over the Republic of Ireland, which was Spain's first such victory since the 1984 semi-final against Denmark. The Italy win thus improved their UEFA European Championship shoot-out record to 2-1. Ominously, Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila and Xavi were in the Spain team that lost the 2000 Olympic final 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Cameroon in Sydney.

Route to UEFA EURO 2008™
Spain had ended 2006 as a team in crisis, a shock 3-2 defeat against Northern Ireland and a 2-0 loss in Sweden leaving them with just three points from their first three Group F games. Results improved in 2007, however, with a 1-1 draw against Iceland in Reykjavik the only blip during a run of eight wins in nine. Indeed, a 1-0 win against Northern Ireland in their last qualifier secured top spot in the section, but Luis Aragonés said: "Spain have been qualifying for tournaments for many years so this isn't a success but simply doing our duty."

Quotes
•"We have a tremendous gift for football." Casillas betrays a new-found confidence.

• "I've seen him have better games." Villa's father after the striker ran the show in the first game with Russia, having a hand in all four goals.

• "It was the first time I've taken a competitive penalty since I was 15." Fàbregas admits that his last spot-kick victim, before putting one past Gianluigi Buffon, was a schoolboy.

• "I've known the King since he was just a prince – I even asked if he could sort out a wage pay." Aragonés on a royal presence in the dressing room after the defeat of Italy.

What the papers said
• "Look out Germany, we are a machine." Free paper Qué issues a warning.

• "This team isn't the ugly duckling anymore, the eternal losers in Spanish sport." AS, the Madrid sports daily, growing in confidence after progress to the final.

• "Iker the Spanish barrier." El País lauds the last-eight hero.

• "Iker changes history." Marca notes that it was 22 June but Spain won on penalties in a quarter-final.

• "End of our quarter-final jinx." La Vanguardia leads a collective sigh of relief after beating Italy.

Fortune favours Germany's title bid

Fortune favours Germany's title bid





"Germany are a real tournament team," says their assistant coach Hans-Dieter Flick but there were times in the early stages of UEFA EURO 2008™ that those words did not ring so true. Having started as one of the favourites, Germany's performances in Group B suggested the hurdle of Portugal in the quarter-finals might be too high to overcome. Yet they raised their game when it counted and then edged out surprise package Turkey in the semi-finals to set up a Vienna showdown with Spain.
Route to the final
Germany started promisingly enough, defeating Poland 2-0 through goals from Polish-born forward Lukas Podolski. However, they looked far from impressive in their subsequent 2-1 loss to Croatia, with Podolski's 79th-minute goal scant consolation and Bastian Schweinsteiger's late dismissal was an added blow. Germany recovered sufficient composure to defeat co-hosts Austria 1-0 in Vienna, through a stunning Michael Ballack free-kick, and grab second place in the section.

After surviving the group stage for the first time since 1996, Germany knocked Portugal out of their stride in their Basel quarter-final. Although coach Joachim Löw had to watch from the stands after his sending-off against Austria, he saw his team prevail 3-2 through goals from Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Ballack. Klose and Schweinsteiger were on target again in the semi-final against comeback kings Turkey but – after Semih Şentürk had made it 2-2 with four minutes left – it was Philipp Lahm's 90th-minute strike that proved the difference.

Final record
Germany have won three and lost two of their five previous UEFA European Championship finals. Mannschaft supporters of a superstitious bent may want to avoid studying their sequence of results, given each final victory has so far been followed by a defeat.
• 1972 USSR W 3-0
• 1976 Czechoslovakia L 2-2 aet, 3-5 on pens
• 1980 Belgium W 2-1
• 1992 Denmark L 0-2
• 1996 Czech Republic W 2-1 aet

Pivotal moment
Schweinsteiger returning from suspension to score the opening goal against Portugal – and send confidence coursing through the team. Lahm's winner against Turkey was pretty timely too.

Key player
It has to be Ballack. If his influence was less evident at the start of the finals, he showed his leadership qualities by delivering when it mattered most. His brilliant strike against Austria secured Germany's passage to the last eight and he then showed his strength in the air by heading the decisive third goal against Portugal just when their opponents were threatening an equaliser.

Tactics
Having employed a 4-2-2-2 formation with Torsten Frings and Ballack as the midfield cornerstones, Löw switched to a 4-2-3-1 set-up for the Portugal game. This meant wing slots for Podolski and Schweinsteiger and, moreover, a much more attacking role for Ballack, capitalising on his goal threat and reviving memories of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Löw retained the same side against Turkey, but Frings replaced the injured Simon Rolfes at half-time and the Werder Bremen man is likely to start against Spain.

Shoot-out record
Germany having won five out of six penalty shoot-outs – including victories at the semi-final stage of EURO '96™ and the 1982 and 1990 World Cups. Their only defeat came in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final against Czechoslovakia when Antonín Panenka's legendary chip denied them the trophy in their first ever shoot-out.

Route to UEFA EURO 2008™
Germany were the first side to secure qualification for the finals with a 0-0 draw in the Republic of Ireland on 13 October 2007, although a couple of aberrations took some of the gloss off a generally impressive campaign by Joachim Löw's side. Draws with Wales and Cyprus as well as a 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic were somewhat eclipsed by a 13-0 triumph in San Marino on 6 September 2006 – the biggest ever UEFA European Championship win. It featured four goals from Podolski, becoming only the second German player to manage that feat after Gerd Müller put four past Albania in 1967.

Quotes
• "If I was the coach, I'd pick me". Frings hints that, after coming on as a half-time substitute in the semi-final, he is ready to start against Spain.

• "I had a bet and said today we would score from a set-piece. There were two of them, so maybe I should double the stake." Germany assistant coach Flick after Klose and Ballack both strike with headers against Portugal.

• "She told me what to do and I took her advice. She first told me not to do anything stupid again, which I did not do. Then she said I should play in the same way I did two years ago. What can you do? If the chancellor asks you to do something, you have to obey!" Schweinsteiger takes on board the advice of German chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he was sat beside for the Austria game.

What the papers said
• "Now take the chance and write history." Franz Beckenbauer writing in Bild after Germany scrape past Turkey.

• "Schweinsteiginho – two more wins to Europe's peak." Abendzeitung heralds man-of-the-match Schweinsteiger as Germany reach the last four by beating Portugal.

• "Please continue to stumble." Süddeutsche Zeitung welcomes a return to the good old days of seeing Germany grind out results after their win against Austria.

• "Kroatastrophe." Bild does not take defeat against Croatia lightly.

Bierhoff summons up spirit of '96

Bierhoff summons up spirit of '96




The scorer of both Germany's goals in the 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic in the EURO '96™ final Oliver Bierhoff knows what it takes to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy. And he believes the Mannschaft are blessed by a "team of winners".
'Optimistic'
Now Germany team manager, Bierhoff has witnessed Germany's progress at UEFA EURO 2008™ at close quarters, and having come up just short in recent years he is confident this time they will go all the way when they take on Spain in Vienna on Sunday. "When you consider where we began from four years ago we have achieved a great deal," said the 40-year-old, who played his last international in 2002. "At three tournaments – the [2005] FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2006 FIFA World Cup and now at UEFA EURO 2008™ – this team twice finished in third place and now they have reached the final. If we can perform as strongly as we did against Portugal, I will be very optimistic."

'No fear'
Germany beat Portugal 3-2 in the quarter-finals, a victory which was a lot more comfortable than their win by the same scoreline against Turkey, which required a last-gasp goal from Philipp Lahm to avoid an additional half-hour. Spain overwhelmed Russia 3-0 to take their place in Sunday's showpiece, yet Bierhoff insists Germany have nothing to worry about. "The Spanish have played very consistently throughout this tournament and have truly impressed so far," he conceded. "Nevertheless, I don't consider us to be going into this game as underdogs. They have a very strong team, that attempts to open things up from the back, but we have no reason to fear them."

Collective strength
Belief seems to be ingrained in the German psyche, something Bierhoff knows more than most having guided an injury-hit team to victory in the final 12 years ago. A goal down to Czech Republic, the then striker came on as a substitute and turned the game on its head, scoring to force extra time, then the golden goal winner. Yet it is Germany's collective strength he believes will see them through. "I don't want to name any individual within our squad as the winner or shooting star of this tournament because I see the whole team as winners, regardless of the result on Sunday," said Bierhoff. "But that's no reason to take our foot off the gas now. We want to continue working hard, develop further and have great successes."

Cazorla confident Spain will cope

Spain are confident they can cope with the absence of striker David Villa for Sunday's UEFA European Championship final against Germany in Vienna.

Muscle injury
The 26-year-old, the four-goal leading scorer at the tournament, was forced off ten minutes before half-time during Thursday's 3-0 semi-final defeat of Russia with a muscular injury and is almost certain to miss the final. "It is going to be difficult for him to be fit for the final," said Xabi Alonso after a recovery training session in the Austrian capital of Vienna. "He has a hamstring strain and probably won't be available. Whoever is playing I think we have different options ... and have enough courage to have a good system and it won't be a problem for us."

Cazorla hope
Fellow midfielder Santi Cazorla seconded Alonso, saying: "You can cope with anything and we've got great players in all positions and whoever plays will do their job well and we hope it won't affect us. We have to keep faith with the same footballing philosophy we've shown up until now. We hope to maintain the level so that we end up as champions."

Frings thirsting for final say

A broken rib will not prevent Torsten Frings reporting for duty with Germany on Sunday with the midfielder eager to reward fans back home for their irrepressible ardour.

Bearing up
The 31-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-2 win against Turkey on Wednesday night despite the injury and is determined that it will not hold him back as Joachim Löw's side meet Spain in the UEFA EURO 2008™ final in Vienna. "Even in the game against Turkey I had to take a number of blows to my broken rib, but I didn't feel a thing," said the Werder Bremen midfielder, who already has sights on Spain. "I am totally ready to play again and get stuck into challenges. I don't know if I will be chosen but I am definitely 100 per cent ready."

Something to hold
A crowd of 500,000 gathered in Berlin to cheer Germany on to victory against Turkey, and Frings would love to see an even bigger crowd if his side triumph against Spain. "On Monday [when we return] we really want to thank the fans back home for their support," he explained. "It was fantastic to have the opportunity to do that after the FIFA World Cup in 2006. This time around though, I would like to be holding something in the air in front of the people in Berlin. A party like that without a trophy is only half as much fun."

Spain strength
Germany have ridden their luck to reach the finals, while Spain have looked a more polished and dangerous side, sealing their place at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion with a 3-0 win against Russia on Thursday. "They have a strong, technically gifted team capable of cutting through the midfield like no other side," said Frings, who has scored ten goals in 76 international appearances. "We will have to put them under pressure and prevent them from getting into the game, otherwise it could prove very difficult."

'An answer'
Frings's side have rarely looked capable of holding a quality side at bay in this tournament, but the midfielder had a message for his side's detractors. "You can accuse us of a lot of things but this much is clear: we have had an answer to everything that's been thrown at us so far and that's why we are in the final. During the group phase certain things were not working and, because of that, the coached changed the system, which worked very well against Portugal. It's important now that we learn from what went on during the Turkey game."

Germany v Spain

UEFA EURO 2008 FINAL
Date: Sun 29 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

Torsten Frings and David Villa
The fitness, or otherwise, of Frings and Villa could be key to Sunday's final

Germany coach Joachim Low must decide whether to recall Torsten Frings for Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain.

The midfielder has declared himself fit after recovering from a broken rib and could replace Simon Rolfes (cut eye) in the only change to the side.

Spain will have to alter their line-up with striker David Villa ruled out with a thigh injury.

That could mean a start for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Fernando Torres the lone striker.

It was with that side and formation that Spain strolled past Russia 3-0 in Thursday's semi-final and coach Luis Aragones has hinted Fabregas, who set up two of the goals, could start.

"I know how well he can perform," Aragones said. "I like a player like Cesc, 20-years-old and someone who has acquired the experience of someone who's 27, 28. To us, he's important."

The Spanish are full of confidence ahead of the final, having turned themselves from "perennial underachievers" to many people's tip to win the final in the course of the tournament.

Spain may not have won a major honour since 1964 - their victory in that year's European Championship their only title to date - but Liverpool striker Torres believes the side are equipped to go all the way this year.

"This team is already making history, but we can do even more," he said.

"Germany know how to win tournaments, they know how to play these games and we know we have be careful because they are the favourites. But we can win it too."

However, Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff refutes claims his side are favourites, saying: "We have demonstrated what capabilities we possess, but we should put Spain one step above us.

"That said, this was the case against Portugal (in the quarter-final) as well and it doesn't have to be to our disadvantage."

And the former striker, whose 'golden goal' against the Czech Republic gave Germany the European title in 1996, hinted Low's side would set out to be hard to break down rather than expansive in attack.

"Spain control the ball very well and they provide decisive passes," he said. "We will have to play very tightly, double-team a lot and keep the marking close."

That philosophy was supported by Frings, who said: "We shouldn't let them into the game. We have to be aggressive, we have to step up even as they are receiving the ball.

"I don't think they like it when you are aggressive against them."

BIG MATCH STATS

Head-to-heads

Germany and Spain have met each other 19 times, and Germany have won eight of these contests, while Spain proved the strongest on five occasions.

At the World Cup and European Championship, the two teams have played each other five times, with Germany winning three times and Spain having the upper hand only once.

Spain's only victory in the Europeans was a 1-0 group phase triumph in 1984. Antonio Maceda's legendary injury time header eliminated West Germany, marking the only time until 2000 that (West) Germany were stranded in the group phase of a European Championship finals.

The last time these two met was a friendly in February 2003, which Spain won 3-1.
Head to head records and significant meetings

Team facts - Germany

Germany have qualified for the final of the European Championship for a record sixth time and the first time in 12 years. In 1972, 1980 and 1996, they went on to win the trophy, and on two occasions, in 1976 and 1992, the Germans lost the final against Czechoslovakia and Denmark respectively.
European Championship finalists from 1960

Team facts - Spain

Spain have qualified for the final of the European Championship for a third time, following their appearances in 1964 and 1984.
Results of Germany and Spain in the final of previous European Championships

Spain have lifted the trophy only once in 1964, after beating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final. In the 1984 final, Spain lost 2-0 against Michel Platini's France.

Since losing to Romania (0-1) in November 2006, Spain are unbeaten in 21 matches (18 wins and three draws). The Spanish record is 31 and was set between September 1994 and November 1997.

At the age of 69 years and 337 days, Luis Aragones will become the oldest coach ever to appear in the final of a European Championship. Aragones will be more than four years older than Otto Rehhagel (65 years, 327 days) was four years ago when Greece took on Portugal in the Euro 2004 final.

Player facts - Germany

Jens Lehmann can become the oldest player ever to appear in a European Championship final. If he plays, Lehmann's record setting age will be 38 years and 232 days, breaking the record set by Arnold Muhren, who was 37 years and 23 days old when he played for the Netherlands in the 1988 final against the Soviet Union.
Oldest players in European Ch'ship finals and possible additions

Lukas Podolski (three) will be the biggest threat to keep David Villa (four) from claiming top scorer honours at this European Championship. Ballack, Klose, Schweinsteiger (Germany) and Guiza (Spain) have all scored twice.

Arsenal (Jens Lehmann, Cesc Fabregas), Real Madrid (Christoph Metzelder, Iker Casillas) and Real Betis (David Odonkor and Juanito) are the three clubs that will provide team mates on both sides of the pitch.

Kevin Kuranyi can win his 50th cap for Germany. He made his international debut in March 2003 in a 1-1 draw against Lithuania.

Player facts - Spain

David Villa is still in line to become top scorer at the 2008 European Championship, but will not add to his total of four goals as he will be sidelined for the final due to injury.

Miscellaneous Info

Germany will have mixed feelings regarding referee Roberto Rosetti. The Italian was in charge on 28 April 2004, when Germany suffered one of their biggest defeats in recent memory in a friendly against Romania (1-5). Rosetti was also the referee in Germany's 2-1 away win against the Czech Republic in the 2008 European Championship qualification.

Spain have also had changing fortunes when Roberto Rosetti was the referee. At the 2006 World Cup, Spain lost 3-1 against France in the round of the last 16. In the 2008 European Championship qualification, Rosetti was also the referee when Spain beat Sweden 3-0 at home.

Villa to Miss Euro Finals

Spain striker David Villa has been ruled out of Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany, the Spanish football federation has confirmed.

Villa, 26, injured a thigh muscle in Thursday's semi-final win over Russia.

Spain had been hoping the forward would be able to play some part in the final in Vienna, but he was finally ruled out following a hospital scan on Friday.

"Valencia striker David Villa, the top scorer at Euro 2008, is definitely out of Sunday's final," said a statement.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who replaced Villa in the semi-final, could come into the team for the final.

Tests revealed Villa has a small tear to the muscle in the back of his right thigh.

The much-coveted Valencia striker said immediately after the semi-final he would not be fit and had resigned himself to watching the game from the stands.

"I'm a little sad that I won't be there to take part but it's better that a team-mate who is fit plays instead of me, particularly as my injury has left me limping quite badly," he said.

I know how well he can perform, he is a great player like others in our squad

Spain coach Luis Aragones on Cesc Fabregas

"Now I have to enjoy the show from outside. To play on Sunday would be a lottery.

"I would do it even if I had to play on one leg but this is a team - there are other players who will do better 100% than one who is injured.

"At the start I was really upset because I knew it was going to be very difficult to play in the final if we got there.

"I just want to enjoy Sunday and celebrate winning the European Championship with everyone else. This is an achievement for the whole squad and we want to take the glory on Sunday."

Spain coach Luis Aragones believes bringing in Fabregas could help his side compete against a strong German midfield.

"I know how well he can perform, he is a great player like others in our squad," he said.

"It's better for numbers and pressure (to have an extra midfielder) and that is how Xavi scored his goal. The point is to make them feel free."

Fabregas is raring to go if called upon and said: "I am here when the manager needs me.

"It is good, we came here to win the tournament and we got to the final, which I think is the most difficult thing.

"In the final anything can happen, a lot of things can influence the game."

Russia 0-3 Spain

Spain produced a superb display to cruise past Russia and set up a Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas was the driving force behind the win after coming on as substitute for injured David Villa.

Xavi turned home Andres Iniesta's cross after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza converted a superb pass from Fabregas with 17 minutes left.

Fabregas played in David Silva for a simple third after 82 minutes as a disappointing Russia ended well beaten.

The only cloud on Spain's horizon was the first-half injury to Villa, who will now miss the final clash with Germany in Vienna.

606: DEBATE
Once again Spain go to the next level when Fabregas is on the pitch

FB

Russia never threatened to produce the attacking firepower that saw them dump out Holland in the last eight, and playmaker Andrei Arshavin was an anonymous figure throughout.

Arshavin entered the game with a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders, as well as transfer interest from Barcelona, but failed to deliver.

Spain were outstanding as they inflicted another heavy defeat on Guus Hiddink's side, as they had done in the group stages and were rarely under pressure.

Veteran coach Luis Aragones now looks to have put together a side capable of ending the years of under-achievement, even making light of that injury to the influential Villa.

Spain made a positive start, with the partnership of Villa and Torres demonstrating their threat early on.

Villa slipped in Torres for a shot that was saved by Igor Akinfeev, then forced the Russia keeper into a smart save down at his post with a long-range drive.

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Guiza's glorious goal
Russia's only early effort was a free-kick from Roman Pavlyuchenko that was off target as Spain dominated territory and possession.
Villa fired in another free-kick that was saved by Akinfeev after 28 minutes, but appeared to injure himself and limped off shortly afterwards, to be replaced by Fabregas.

It was a pivotal moment, with Fabregas more than compensating for the departure of Villa by delivered a midfield master-class.

Spain took a fully-deserved lead after 50 minutes when Xavi arrived to perfection to slide home Iniesta's driven cross.

Fabregas was pulling the strings, first setting up Torres for a shot that the Liverpool striker curled off target.

Torres then slid another glorious chance wide after a fine run and cross from Sergio Ramos in what was his final contribution of a tireless performance.

He was replaced by Guiza, with Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso coming on for goalscorer Xavi.

And Guiza showed his prowess as a finisher when he scored Spain's second after 73 minutes, lifting Fabregas's superb pass over Akinfeev.

Fabregas was running the game, and he produced another piece of superb creation to set up Silva for a precise finish with eight minutes left.

Spain keeper Iker Casillas was finally forced into action with three minutes remaining, saving superbly from Dmitry Sychev's header.

But it was a minor interruption to Spain's path into the final, and Akinfeev had to save well from Guiza as they threatened to make their victory margin more convincing.



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Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov (Bilyaletdinov 56), Saenko (Sychev 57), Pavluchenko, Arshavin.
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Ivanov, Shirokov, Bystrov.

Booked: Zhirkov, Bilyaletdinov.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta, Xavi (Alonso 69), Senna, Silva, Villa (Fabregas 34), Torres (Guiza 69).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Santi Cazorla, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.

Goals: Xavi 50, Guiza 73, Silva 82.

Att: 50,000

Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).
man of the match: Spain's Cesc Fabregas 8.01 (on 90 minutes).

Who will win through to meet Germany?

Germany will discover their opponents in Sunday's UEFA EURO 2008™ final when Russia take on Spain at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna in the second semi-final. The sides also met in the first round of matches in Group D, a David Villa hat-trick helping Spain to a 4-1 victory – but is that scoreline any guide?

Marked improvement
Russia have improved markedly since that initial setback, recording victories against Greece (1-0) and Sweden (2-0) before truly announcing their title credentials against the Netherlands, a second successive Carlsberg Man of the Match-winning performance from Andrei Arshavin inspiring his side to a 3-1 quarter-final win after extra time. Spain, meanwhile, have just kept winning, defeating Sweden and Greece 2-1 and eliminating world champions Italy in the last eight, Cesc Fàbregas converting the decisive spot-kick in a 4-2 shoot-out success following a goalless 120 minutes in Vienna on Sunday. But who will come out on top tonight?

How Russia keep on running

Guus Hiddink may be taking the applause for tactically outmanoeuvring the Netherlands in the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals but any credit must be shared with the man responsible for Russia's high fitness levels, Raymond Verheijen, as the team looks forward to a semi-final versus Spain.

'Not surprised'
The Dutch fitness coach, who also worked with Hiddink during the coach's time with the Netherlands and Korea Republic – reaching FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 1998 and 2002 – is happy to reveal that Russia's intensive pre-tournament training is paying off. "I have developed a philosophy and a working method that says, instead of developing fitness to play the game, we play the game in order to develop fitness," Verheijen told euro2008.com. "The only thing the Russia players did [in the three weeks before the finals] was play football, doing different kinds of footballing exercises. We then took the players' fitness details before the tournament started and we knew that, from a physical point of view, they had taken a giant step forward. So although we lost the first game [against Spain], we were still certain we had a good basis – and in terms of preparation, I'm not surprised we've reached the semi-finals."

Late night refuel
The fitness expert confirms that a "now less static" striker Roman Pavlyuchenko lost four kilos during that tough preparatory period, despite Hiddink's insistence on his players eating properly at all times. "Mr Hiddink is quite strict in terms of meals. One example is that after the Sweden game we left the stadium at 11.30 at night and had to travel two and a half hours from Innsbruck to [our base] in Leogang. We arrived at the hotel at 2am and [Mr Hiddink] insisted on all the players eating their carbohydrates before they went to bed, even if they weren't hungry. Normally that's difficult because everybody is completely overjoyed and celebrating a win and when you are having those emotions, having a group meal is not the first thing you think about."

Credit due
Russia came through Group D with back-to back wins against Greece and Sweden, before going on to beat the Netherlands in the quarter-finals while displaying incredible energy levels. Explaining Saturday's 3-1 extra-time triumph, Verheijen said: "The main reason we defeated Holland was the game plan Mr Hiddink developed. From the kick-off we were in control. After the plan, you then have fitness and the very good levels shown by our players were the reason they were able to execute the plan at such high intensity for 120 minutes." Dismissing claims that the victors were able to reach such a standard only because the Russian season began in March, Verheijen added: "It's a little bit disappointing people are saying that, instead of giving the players the credit they deserve. It doesn't matter when your season ends or starts. The question is, who was the last team to beat a solid Dutch side so comprehensively? I'm a Dutchman and I don't even know. We had to play last Wednesday while they had the week off!"

Semi-final 2: Russia v Spain

UEFA EURO 2008 SEMI-FINAL
Date: Thu 26 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Russia's players in high spirits as they prepare for the Spain match
Russia appear to have no injury worries after Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Ivan Sayenko and Alexander Anyukov all trained on Wednesday and looked fit.

The trio picked up knocks against The Netherlands, however, boss Guus Hiddink is without suspended pair Denis Kolodin and midfielder Dmitry Torbinski.

Spain, unbeaten in 20 games, are most likely to stick with the line-up that beat Russia in the group stage.

But midfielder Cesc Fabregas could yet oust Xavi for the role of playmaker.

Arsenal star Fabregas impressed after coming on as a substitute against Italy in their quarter-final and scored the decisive penalty in the shootout.


Spain look to have a full squad to choose from and coach Luis Aragones drilled the presumed starting players, led by strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa, in a practice match against the substitutes at Spain's base camp in Neustift on Tuesday.

Having beaten Russia 4-1 in their group meeting, the Spanish are slight favourites to book a place in the final against Germany - but Russia have improved markedly since then.

In place of key central defender Kolodin, Vasily Berezutsky is favourite to start alongside CSKA Moscow team-mate Sergei Ignashevich.


Fabregas has frequently impressed when coming off the bench

Much of the Russians' change in fortunes is down to the return from suspension of creative attacking midfielder Andrei Arshavin, who Barcelona are interested in signing from Zenit St Petersburg.

"Everyone has seen now that he is an outstanding player," said Russia coach Hiddink.

"He has a lot of qualities - good vision, his character is OK, he's a winner. So it's very joyful to work with him and watch how he is playing."


BIG MATCH STATS
Head-to-heads

Spain and Russia (including Soviet Union) have met each other on nine previous occasions with Spain winning five times and Russia only once. The sole defeat for Spain came in a European Championship qualifier in 1971 with the Soviets winning 2-1.

Head to head records and significant meetings
Spain have won all three previous encounters at the European Championship, 2-1 in 1964, 1-0 in 2004 and 4-1 at Euro 2008.

This is the ninth time that two countries have met in the group phase and the knock-out stages of a European Championship or World Cup.

The only countries to win the knock-out encounter after first losing in the group phase are West Germany against Hungary at the 1954 World Cup and the Netherlands against the Soviet Union at Euro 1988.

Nations meeting in group and KO phases of major finals

Team facts - Russia

Russia's Euro 2008 squad has won a total of 503 caps, fewer than any other country that was present at Euro 2008.

The average age of the Russian squad is also the youngest in this tournament. Their average age is 26 years and 99 days on the day of the semi-final.

However, head coach Guus Hiddink is vastly experienced in major tournaments. Euro 2008 is his fifth European Championship or World Cup. So far Hiddink has recorded 11 wins, equalling Dutch record holder Rinus Michels. Only Berti Vogts (12), Mario Zagallo (13), Luiz Felipe Scolari (16) and Helmut Schon (19) have won more matches in European Championships and World Cups combined.

Russia and Turkey became only the fifth and sixth countries to qualify for the European Championship semi-finals despite losing their first match in the group.

Team facts - Spain

Qualified for a European Championship semi-final for the third time. Spain went on to reach the final on the two previous occasions, in 1964 and 1984.

Unbeaten in 20 matches (17 wins and three draws) since losing to Romania (0-1) in November 2006. The Spanish record is 31 and was set between September 1994 and November 1997.

The second longest unbeaten streak was also set during the reign of coach Luis Aragones. Between August 2004 and June 2006, Spain remained unbeaten in 25 matches in a row.

Aragones is the oldest coach to lead a team to the semi-finals in a European Championship. He is 69 years and 334 days old on Thursday. The previous record holder was Otto Rehhagel, who was 65 years and 327 days old when Greece played in the last four of Euro 2004.

Player facts - Russia

By scoring three goals, Roman Pavlyuchenko has become Russia's joint top scorer in European Championships. He equalled Valentin Ivanov (1960-1964) and Viktor Ponedelnik (1960-1964).

Igor Akinfeev, Vyacheslav Malafeev, Aleksandr Anyukov, Vladimir Bystrov, Igor Semshov and Dmitri Sychev sat on the bench when Spain and Russia met at Euro 2004. Sychev made a substitute appearance.

Dmitriy Torbinskiy and Denis Kolodin are suspended for this match.

Player facts - Spain

Santi Cazorla has come on as a substitute for Andres Iniesta in every match at Euro 2008.

For some Spanish and Russian players this will be the fourth time they meet this season, including Euro 2008. When Villarreal CF were knocked out by Zenit St. Petersburg in the third round of the Uefa Cup, Joan Capdevila, Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla faced Vyacheslav Malafeev, Aleksandr Anyukov, Roman Shirokov, Konstantin Zyryanov and Andrei Arshavin.

Miscellaneous Info

Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere also controlled Russia's group match against Sweden (2-0) at Euro 2008.

Casillas calls on Spain to seize chance

Iker Casillas is an intensely busy man at the moment, training ferociously hard, chatting over tactics with Luis Aragonés, signing hundreds of autographs and captaining Spain to their first UEFA European Championship semi-final for 24 years. But when the goalkeeper's head hits the pillow each night, his mind runs free.

Sweet dreams
"Everyone has that ten-minute spell when you're trying to get to sleep and your mind drifts – that's when I dream of lifting this trophy," he says quietly. "Your brain naturally turns to what lies ahead of you and dreaming is free. Having already made history, it's on all our minds that this is not enough and we want to grasp the silverware, but to do that we first have to beat Russia again." In Sunday's quarter-final against Italy, Casillas saved the third and fourth shoot-out penalties of his international career as Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale joined Kevin Kilbane and David Connolly as the Spaniard's victims. But defeating the Republic of Ireland on penalties at the 2002 FIFA World Cup ultimately meant nothing to Spain as they subsequently lost to Korea Republic – coached by a gentleman of world football named Guus Hiddink. Not only is the Dutchman in charge of Spain's next opponents but he also, coincidentally, gave Casillas his very first taste of a major international fixture.

Penalty test
"Hiddink and I were at Real Madrid [CF] at the same time but because I was so young I really only coincided with him twice," recalled the No1. "He actually took me to the [1998 European/South American Cup] final against [CR] Vasco de Gama as a substitute, when I was 17 and still in the youth squad." Moving on to Thursday's match, Casillas added: "It's a bit of a trap to be playing Hiddink's side again because I'd hate it if people thought this is an easy match simply because we won 4-1 [in the Group D encounter]. We've seen all of their games since then and Russia have impressed, especially against Holland." It is not only because Hiddink's South Korea emerged the victors last time he and Spain competed at penalties that Casillas wants a win within the regulation 90 minutes in Vienna. "Good though it was against Italy I always prefer to win on the pitch, during normal time," he said. "That way everyone, not least me, doesn't have to fray their nerves!"

Russian admiration
Part of what 'San Iker', as the Madrid fans know him, admires about Russia is how much they remind him of Spain: "It's going to be a beautiful match because these two sides are both committed to attack, they share a football philosophy – Russia have impressed me." Although his driving goal is simply to lead Spain to glory next Sunday there is an impish part of him which regrets Spain are not now facing the Netherlands. "If you think how many Dutchmen we have at Madrid, the dressing-room banter would have been fantastic if we'd beaten them," he joked. But this is the man whom Aragonés classified as a "ten" in every department and the seriousness is quick to return: "The key for us is to manage the ball and control the first half. Both teams had to play extra time to qualify and if we keep possession you have to run less – I want to see our boys making the Russians chase possession. This is a unique opportunity for Spain and we must seize our destiny

Germany 3-2 Turkey Pics

Germany are stunned as Jens Lehmann fails to prevent Ugur Boral's effort crossing the line as Turkey take the lead in the 22nd minute
Germany soon respond to Turkey's goal as Bastian Schweinsteiger superbly sweeps the ball past Rustu Recber five minutes later
Germany lead as Rustu Recber misses his punch and is beaten to the ball by Miroslav Klose who heads home in the 79th minute
The thriller continues as Turkey restore parity with Semih Senturk poking the ball home at the near post in the 86th minute

Germany win it as Lahm exchanges passes with Thomas Hitzlsperger before firing superbly past Rustu in the 90th minute

Germany 3-2 Turkey

Philipp Lahm's last-minute winner sent Germany into the Euro 2008 final and sank a desperately unlucky Turkey.

Lahm stole in on Thomas Hitzlsperger's pass to beat Rustu Recber and give the Germans victory after a thriller in which Turkey were the better side.

Ugur Boral scrambled Turkey ahead after 22 minutes, but Bastian Schweinsteiger equalised quickly from close range.

Miroslav Klose headed Germany in front after 79 minutes, but Semih Senturk levelled before Lahm's late strike.

Germany barely deserved the victory, but once again they have reached a major final despite being unconvincing, where they will face either Russia or Spain in Vienna on Sunday.

Ravaged by injuries and suspension, Turkey defied all expectations to produce an outstanding performance full of grit, desire and no little quality and they should have been well in front by half-time.

Former Sheffield United forward Colin Kazim-Richards held his head in anguish in the 12th minute when he rattled the bar with a powerful shot that left German keeper Jens Lehmann well beaten.

He was denied by the woodwork again with a looping finish 10 minutes later - but this time Ugur was lurking to scramble in the rebound through the legs of the despairing Lehmann.

Stunned by the speed of Turkey's opening, Germany responded to equalise after 27 minutes.

Lukas Podolski was the creator with a run and cross from the left flank, but it needed a sweet finish with the outside of Schweinsteiger's right foot to beat Rustu.

Lehmann was having a nightmare and he had to scramble back hurriedly after misjudging Hamit Altintop's free-kick to turn the ball over the bar.



'Good mentality' gets us to finals - Ballack
It was a superb spectacle, and Podolski escaped the attentions of the Turkish defence only to shoot over the top with Klose waiting unmarked in front of goal.

Lehmann was then forced to punch Ugur's powerful free-kick away after 39 minutes as Turkey continued to show the greater ambition.

Germany coach Joachim Low made a change at the interval, replacing Simon Rolfes, who had suffered a head wound in a clash with Ayhan Akman, with Torsten Frings.

The Germans were furious after 50 minutes when Lahm was clearly felled by Sabri Sarioglu, only to see Swiss referee Massimo Busacca ignore their appeals.

But Turkey, under the inspirational leadership of coach Fatih Terim, were continuing to set the pace and Ugur tested Lehmann once more with a shot at the end of a fine run.

Hitzlsperger showed the shooting power that marked his time at Aston Villa with 18 minutes left, shooting just wide from 30 yards with Rustu beaten.

But it was a calamitous error by the veteran Rustu that gifted Germany the lead with 11 minutes left, when he came for Lahm's cross but got nowhere near it, leaving Klose to head Germany in front.

If this tournament has told us one thing, it is that Turkey's refusal to accept defeat means they are at their most dangerous when behind and so it proved again as they drew level again with four minutes left.

Sabri rounded Lahm superbly on the flank, and the poacher Semih stole in to beat Lehmann at the near post.

Turkey looked to have taken the game into extra time, which was the very least they deserved, but their campaign ended in heartbreak in the closing moments.

Lahm raided forward and exchanged passes with Hitzlsperger before firing high past Rustu.

Germany celebrated the victory, but so much credit must go to Turkey for a magnificent effort that deserved so much more.



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Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm, Hitzlsperger, Rolfes (Frings 46), Schweinsteiger, Ballack, Podolski, Klose (Jansen 90).
Subs Not Used: Enke, Adler, Fritz, Westermann, Gomez, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor, Kuranyi.

Goals: Schweinsteiger 27, Klose 79, Lahm 90.

Turkey: Rustu, Sarioglu, Topal, Zan, Balta, Aurelio, Kazim-Richards (Metin 90), Altintop, Akman (Erdinc 81), Boral (Karadeniz 84), Senturk.
Subs Not Used: Zengin, Cetin, Emre, Gungor, Nihat.

Booked: Senturk.

Goals: Boral 22, Senturk 86.

Att: 40,000

Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).

man of the match: Turkey's Colin Kazim-Richards 7.71 (on 90 minutes).

Realistic Arshavin wants results

For many outside Russia, it seems striker Andrei Arshavin has just burst on to the scene. Stunning performances against Sweden then the Netherlands have propelled the 27-year-old into the limelight, but it is no more than fans of Russia and FC Zenit St. Petersburg expected. After missing Russia's opening two games through suspension, Arshavin quickly made up for lost time with a pair of goals and he is confident there is more to come in Thursday's semi-final against Spain.

euro2008.com: Russia lost their opening match to Spain 4-1. Are you thinking about revenge?

Andrei Arshavin: No, but possibly because I didn't take part in the first match. For me the first game has no meaning any more. This is a semi-final and things can be decided by a single mistake.

euro2008.com: What went wrong for Russia in that first match?

Arshavin: We committed tactical and individual mistakes. If you give a shadow of a chance to a striker like David Villa or Fernando Torres, they will put you in trouble. These guys can easily beat a defender one-on-one then score. That's exactly what they did.

euro2008.com: What can we expect against Spain?

Arshavin: Russia will play their normal way. We don't play defensive football, we like to attack. But it doesn't all depend on us. Let's see how the Spaniards do. Maybe it makes it harder for us that we play such an open kind of football, because our opponent knows how to counterattack and they have some fast players. But we need to play our way instead of adapting to the opposition.

euro2008.com: You were sent off in the 84th minute of your final qualifier against Andorra and were suspended for Russia's first two games here. How did you feel when you came to Austria?

Arshavin: I came here hoping I'd get a chance to play at such a big tournament. I've never been to an event like this before. We had some very tough training sessions and it was difficult for me to be training a lot knowing I wouldn't be playing. It was an unusual feeling. Even so I'm happy [coach] Guus Hiddink brought me here despite the ban and let me become a part of the tournament.

euro2008.com: Having served your ban, you grasped your chance in the third match. Be honest – did you expect yourself to do so well against Sweden and the Netherlands?

Arshavin: I've played better games, so many times. It's just that the team is winning. I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary. Sometimes I score, sometimes I provide a pass. When you do it in the [FIFA] World Cup or [UEFA] European Championship, in front of a lot of people, there are bigger repercussions, so to speak.

euro208.com: Yourself aside, which Russia players have impressed you here?

Arshavin: If we had Pavel Pogrebnyak [who was injured before the tournament started] and Igor Denisov [who was omitted from the squad], we would be much stronger. You should remember those names, although I think they're known already as they helped Zenit win the UEFA Cup. Who looks good here? Yuri Zhirkov and Igor Akinfeev are playing well and Roman Pavlyuchenko scores goals so they stand out a bit over the others.

euro208.com: You have made it clear you want to leave Zenit. What is the club of your dreams?

Arshavin: I have supported [FC] Barcelona all my life. Barcelona are my dream. I never thought I would have a genuine chance to play for the club. Let's see how the situation unfolds. For now I can't say anything for sure. At the moment I'm a player of team Russia and I'm only thinking about doing well in the semi-finals.

euro208.com: How important is Guus Hiddink to Russia's success?

Arshavin: When he came two years ago it was the most important decision made by our FA president [Football Union of Russia chief Vitaly Mutko]. Everyone in Russia is envious he makes so much money and enjoys so much power. But for him it's not as easy to work as it seems. This is a big event for us, the players. He gave us more freedom, he believes in us, he trusts us and that's why we play better. I'm very happy to work with one of the best coaches in the world. To be part of his team is a real pleasure.

euro2008.com: If someone had told you before the tournament that Russia would win three games in a row and outplay the opposition, would you have believed it?

Arshavin: To be honest, I wouldn't have believed it. I can't say we were playing good football in the friendlies, but things change quickly in life. Now we have beaten the Dutch, who were perhaps the strongest team in the tournament, so it's natural we are more confident.

euro2008.com: Are the suspended Denis Kolodin and Dmitri Torbinski big losses for the semi-final?

Arshavin: Any player, especially at this stage, is a big loss for us, but I hope the players who replace them will do well. I didn't play in the UEFA Cup semi-final against [FC] Bayern [Müchen] and everyone said it was a big loss, but Zenit won 4-0. You can always replace a player. Of course some are better than others, but I don't think we need to cry about it. We need to prepare with the players we have.

euro2008.com: Do you feel like a leader of this team?

Arshavin: I never think about titles, whether I am a leader or not. By helping my team-mates, I help myself. If there is good movement and they move the way I want them to, it makes it easier for me to play. I do it not to show I'm a leader, but to make sure we're quicker in achieving the result we need.

Xavi anticipating a 'different' Russia

Xavi Hernández came to UEFA EURO 2008™ well recognised, perhaps even pigeon-holed, as the pass-maker supreme but what the 28-year-old Catalan has always desired is to return from this tournament as a history-maker instead.

Barça role
Success blessed the head of this clever, mobile and talented footballer at a tantalisingly early age. In 1999 he was part of the Spain squad which won the FIFA U-20 World Cup and within a year he had followed that with an Olympic silver medal in Sydney. What is more, he shrugged off the pressure of succeeding FC Barcelona's totemic midfielder Josep 'Pep' Guardiola and won Spain's Primera División in his first full season. It looked that if anyone would make the step up in class from club leader to international winner it was Xavi. However, from then until now it has taken masses of introspection, heartache and critical analysis for Spain to get close to the summit of world or European football. Sunday's final is in sight but while Xavi is driven by the idea of winning the tournament, he is preparing for an intensely difficult challenge against Russia in Thursday's semi-final.

Confidence boost
"The boss has already pointed it out so I'm not shy of admitting that we had a couple of moments of luck at the beginning of our 4-1 win over Russia in the first match," said the midfielder. "They hit the post, we scored right on half-time and that blow to their rhythm helped us impose our game. Now they're facing us again with massively more self-belief and confidence thanks to three wins but also the fact that they've been better than their opponents in each of their matches since. I'm sure that this semi will be totally different from the first match for these reasons and the key will not only be who has the better possession but how that team uses it."

Ultimate goal
If the prospect of winning a tournament has united fans across all of Spain, as Xavi observed, the squad are similarly united by a desire to take fate by the scruff of the neck. "Getting through the quarter- finals was joyful and historic, but not nearly enough. We have to take this opportunity now, get through the semi-final and then win the entire tournament. We've had that as our aim for months and we've believed in it. You can feel the momentum. Not only are we playing well but cleverly too, and we are getting the little breaks like Russia hitting the post and Iker [Casillas] saving two penalties. I know we have a winning mentality and if we are properly mentally prepared for beating Russia in Vienna then we'll achieve it." With four goals in qualifying and the winner against the United States in Spain's final warm-up friendly, not to mention another eight for FC Barcelona last term, history may not be in Xavi's hands, but his boots instead. Cometh the hour, cometh the Catalan?