EURO 2008 Group D Day 4 10/Jun/08

Spain v. Russia 4-1
Spain crushed Russia earlier today, with an overwhelming capability just paired with the Dutch. The environment could not be better as the Spanish side were beginning to put the promises into realities. The game began as expected, dynamic start with several counters by the "home" side. Both teams eager to make a positive impression. The midfield picked by Aragonés was in goof shape, applying the right amount of pressure at the right time. At 20' the lead came on a close Villa definition by a Torres assist. Certainly the Russian defense was playing the offside trap, bad choice against mobile strikers such as Spanish. At 23' the first glimpse of the Russian talent came on a woodwork shot. The intrusions of the Russian side faced a fierce opposition also with the lack of conviction. The Russian side touched the ball on a good solid defending block by Spain at 25'; the result was a strong Spanish defending side with lethal finishings reaching the opposite box. Near the end of the first period the second goal came on a Iniesta pass on a Villa perfect definition. It is certainly obvious that Villa made the movement to get the pass, not the passer that searched the space. This is a very common issue with highly talented strikers, they search the opportunities.

The second half saw the Russian side sank in their own game. Although the pressuring midfield of the Russian side kept several attempts and arrivals to the Spanish goal, the substitution of Cesc was a factor that contributed to the Spanish victory. Form 60' on the Spanish side relied in counter attacks due to the slow pace of the Russian defense. This caused the already-known wide open spaces that provided Bylia a shot opportunity at 61'. The hat-trick d on Villa was completed in the 75' on a Cesc pass. At 85' the honor goal by Pavlyuchenko came after a two-corner header. Then it seemed a fun practice game to the Spanish side, that ended the game with the first win. Cesc scored a goal offside in the dying stages of the match.

Cesc Watch:
-Passes completed: 22
-Balls involved (defensively and marking): 24
-Shots: 2
-Assistances: 1

I did not watch the game of Sweden against Greece, henceforth the review will not show. The score was 2-0 on the Swedes.