Spanyol Mendapat Ranking Pertama FIFA

Sukses menjuarai Piala Eropa 2008 mendongkrak posisi Spanyol ke urutan teratas dalam daftar rangking FIFA yang diumumkan AsosiasiFederasi Sepakbola Internasional itu. Spanyol menggeser Italia yang sebelumnya memimpin setelah sukses memenangkan trofi Piala dunia 2006. Namun Italia hanya bergeser satu tingkat ke urutan kedua meski hanya berhasil mencapai babak perempat final Piala Eropa. Ini merupakan kali pertama Spanyol mencapai peringkat teratas dunia sejak FIFA memperkenalkan sistem ranking pada 1992 lalu.

Runner up Piala Eropa 2008, Jerman naik dua tingkat ke posisi tiga, sementara Belanda berhasil mencapai peringkat lima, atau naik lima tingkat. Dua tim asal Amerika Latin, yaitu juara dunia lima kali Brasil melorot dari posisi dua ke posisi empat. Argentina turun drastis lima tingkat ke posisi enam. Argentina, yang sempat berada di peringkat teratas selama sembilan bulan, harus jatuh ke peringkat keenam, setelah tampil buruk di kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010 zona Amerika latin, termasuk dua kali imbang melawan Ekuador dan Brasil.

Sementara itu, keberhasilan Kroasia mencapai perempat final Piala Eropa 2008 membawa negara tersebut ke peringkat tujuh. Republik Ceko turun dua tingkat ke posisi delapan, Portugal naik dua tingkat, sementara Prancis, yang menuai hasil buruk di Piala Eropa 2008 dengan tidak lolos dari penyisihan grup, turun tiga tingkat ke posisi ke-10.

Juara Eropa 2004, Yunani melorot ke posisi 18 setelah tidak mampu memenangkan satu partai pun di penyisihan grup D Piala Eropa 2008, Rusia yang mencapai semifinal, naik 13 tingkat ke posisi 11. Ini adalah posisi terbaik Rusia dalam 10 tahun terakhir. Inggris, yang gagal masuk ke putaran final Piala Eropa, turun enam tingkat ke posisi 15, posisi terendah sejak 2001.

Sistem ranking FIFA ini dibuat berdasarkan hasil yang diraih sebuah negara dalam empat tahun terakhir. JIka sebuah tim berhasil meraih hasil positif di kejuaraan besar, perhitungan yang didapat makin besar.

"The Best Player" In Euro 2008 For Xavi Hernandez

The Barcelona star was a regular member of the tournament-winning side and scored the opener in the semi-final win over Russia.

Xavi, 28, was one of nine Spain players selected among a team of 23 by a panel of Uefa technical experts.

Manchester United's Dutch keeper Edwin van der Sar, Chelsea's Michael Ballack, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool's Fernando Torres all made the final 23.

Ballack was part of the Germany side that lost in the final, while Fabregas and Torres helped Spain seal the spoils.

Chelsea's new signing Jose Bosingwa of Portugal and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who will play for Tottenham in the Premier League next season, were also both selected.

There was no room in the final selection for Manchester United and Portugal midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo.

Uefa technical director Andy Roxburgh explained that Ronaldo's absence was because Portugal's exit at the quarter-final stage.

"Of course he was mentioned - and if Portugal had gone further, there's no argument he has been in this group because he's a fantastic player," said the former Scotland boss.

"He was in our Champions League all-star squad for the season - and at the beginning of the tournament he threatened he was going to be in this one.

"But then it came abruptly to an end. When it comes to a squad of the tournament, those that go to semis and final dominate things like this."

Regarding the selection of Xavi and eight other Spaniards, Roxburgh added: "Xavi epitomised the Spanish style of play. He was extremely influential.

"We are not all that surprised - because for more than a decade now, the top youth teams in Europe have been Spanish; we have been watching Xavi and others in this squad from a very young age."

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 Altintop (Turkey), Luka Modric (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).

Spain 1-0 Germany

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.

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).

Info:
Spain have won the European Championship for the second time. In 1964, they also lifted the trophy after beating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final. In 1984, they also reached the final but lost 2-0 against France.

Just as Greece four years ago, Spain have kept clean sheets in all three knock-out rounds after the group phase.

As well as winning the European Championship three times (1972, 1980, 1996), Germany have now also lost three European Championship finals (1976, 1992, 2008).

With four goals, David Villa has become top scorer at Euro 2008 without having played in the final. That is the fewest goals for a European Championship top scorer since 1992, when Dennis Bergkamp, Tomas Brolin, Henrik Larsen and Karl-Heinz Riedle all scored three goals.

At the age of 38 years and 232 days, Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann became the oldest player ever to appear in the European Championship final, breaking the record set by Arnold Muhren (37 years, 23 days) in 1988.

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

from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/

Germany vs Spain Preview

Germany was favourite for bookies to win the Euro 2008, just before the tournaments started, we can’t say the same thing for Spain. Strong teams like Italy, France, Croatia, Portugal, Netherlands which had their chances, are at home already and they will watch the final from TV.

Spain always had a pretty good team but for some reason they failed to reach the final stages of such tournaments in the last quite a few years. They now have a very strong team, players from the top club teams in Europe and a very productive attacking mentality.

On the other hand Germany is a strong team, they always been some sort of favourites at any tournament they participate. Players like Ballack, Podolski or Klose can always make they difference on the pitch.

I expect a beautiful match, close enough as I believe none of the teams will assume strong attacking responsabilities at the begining. It is a difficult match to bet on, probably the best option would be to bet on handicap or “under”/”over” - goals scored. I would like to think the match will be decided in extra time or perhaps at penalties but you’ll never know what to expect from a final!

      Germany            vs           Spain
         19             matches          19
          8               win             5
          5               loss            8
          6               draw            6
         26             goals made       21
         21            goals suffered    26

Germany vs Spain Prediction

On Sunday evening, Spain will line up against Germany in what promises to be a mouth-watering Euro 2008 final in Vienna. In a match which will mark Spain's first major final in twenty-four years, Luis Arganones's side will be hoping to rewrite the history books and claim their second European trophy after a 44-year wait.

Buoyed by the recent twist in fortune which has seen La Furia Roja (the red fury) lay to rest ghosts of previous penalty shoot-out exits and advance to the final, Aragones will be looking to recall the spirit of the 1964-winning side to lead his nation to European glory in this year's final.

IS THIS THEIR YEAR?

In head-to-heads, history slightly favours the Germans who have won eight of nineteen meetings, while Spain have claimed five wins. There have been six draws. The last meeting came fourteen years ago during the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA which ended 1-1, leaving this game even harder to predict.

Spain, thanks to their impressive form this year, may go into the game as narrow favourites. Their loss of David Villa through injury will certainly hand Germany a morale boost, but the Spaniards will still pose a very stern threat through Daniel Guiza, who has scored twice when coming off the bench so far in this tournament.

Tournament So Far...

Undoubtedly the talking point will be Spain's flair and strength in depth, but a more significant issue is the seeming end of infighting between rival Real Madrid and Barcelona players in the dressing room. This Spanish side seems a more complete unit and, although Aragones's decision to leave out Real talisman Raul sent shockwaves through Spain last month, it looks like a decision well made with a new generation of talents David Silva, Torres and Fabregas given greater freedom to express themselves on the field.

In comparison, opponents Germany demonstrated their efficiency as they reached their thirteenth major final despite a troubled campaign. It certainly hasn't been pretty to watch, but the Germans have shown grit and determination in each game to make it through to this final. Unapologetic towards critics which have labelled them boring and unattractive, the Germans will enter Sunday's final eager to prove their doubters wrong and claim their first major honour since winning this tournament in 1996.

However, despite their reputation for ruthless efficiency, Joachim Low's side are not without their flaws. Unconvincing performances against Turkey in the 3-2 semi-final triumph and an early defeat to Croatia outline a major defensive problem for the European giants, and judging from their stuttering campaign it is possible they will struggle to contain Spain's free-flowing passing and off the ball movement.

Key Men

The Spanish line-up offers a rich blend of creativity and defensive proficiency with Marcos Senna's holding role in front of the back four allowing starlet Xavi Hernandez the freedom to push forward. Senna's performances for Spain has been outstanding this campaign and this is a key area in which the game will be won and lost. David Villa's imperious presence will certainly be missed, but with Torres also looking sharp this year and Cesc Fabregas at his talismanic best in the semi-final versus Russia, Spain have enough quality to compensate for his absence.

However, Germany are certainly not without key men and a major threat will once again come from Michael Ballack. He has been on top form in this campaign, and has often lifted a mediocre German outfit when matches were beginning to slip away from them. Coach Joachim Low will also be encouraged by the return of Torsten Frings from injury, while Bastien Schweinsteiger will be looking to maintain his top form and his tussle with wing-back Capdevilla is sure to be a fascinating spectacle. If Lukas Podolski can return to the form he showed in the opening game against Poland, the Germans certainly have the man-for-man quality to match their opponents.

Conclusion

Despite Spanish football's illustrious domestic history, the country has failed to deliver on the international scene, while Germany have thrived. However Euro 2008 has breathed hope into the Spanish game and given us good reason to believe that the pendulum of power in Europe maybe about to move once more. The Germans can draw strength from their dominance in previous competitions, of course, but Spain's young guns have the chance to make history and achieve what so many Spanish greats could not - and we reckon they will rise to the occassion.

from: http://www.4thegame.com/

Pertarungan Teknik Melawan Mental

Meskipun sama-sama lolos ke final Piala Eropa 2008, Jerman dan Spanyol masih belum lepas dari sejumlah kekurangan. Karena itu, tim yang menjadi juara pada pertandingan di Stadion Ernst Happel, Wina, Austria, Senin (30/6) dini hari WIB, adalah tim yang dapat memanfaatkan kekurangan lawan. Namun mengacu sejarah restasi dan kinerja kedua tim, bisa dibilang bahwa partai final Piala Eropa 2008 adalah perang antara kehebatan teknik Spanyol melawan determenasi mental Jerman.

Dari segi strategi, pelatih Jerman Joachim Loew harus kembali mengkaji efektivitas dan efisiensi skema 4-5-1 (4-1-4-1). Dengan satu penyerang, Jerman tampil luar biasa ketika menggebuk Portugal 3-2 pada perempat final. Namun, dengan skema yang sama, “Der Panzer” keteteran menghadapai pemain lapis dua Turki. Meski menang 3-2, penampilan Jerman tidak bisa dikatakan memuaskan.

Menghadapi kelincahan dan akurasi Spanyol, Loew harus berpikir untuk kembali menggunakan formasi 4-4-2 yang sudah menjadi tradisi.

Pelatih Spanyol, Luis Aragones juga sangat mungkin mengubah formasi standar 4-4-2 yang sudah sangat mendarah daging. Dengan dua penyerang , Spanyol selalu menang sejak awal puatarn final digelar. David Villa dan Fernando Torres terbukti tangguh. Namun cederanya Villa membuat Aragones memasukkan memasukkan gelandang serang Cesc Fabregas dan mengubah formasi menjadi 4-5-1 (4-1-41). Hasilnya, mereka menaklukkan Rusia 3-0.

Sisi lain yang harus dicermati pada laga krusial ini, adalah mental. Pemain Jerman memiliki mental juara yang selalu berusahan menjaga konsistensi permainan hingga pluit terakhir. Gol Philiph Lahm di menit akhir 90 merupakan bukti keuletan Jerman memanfaatkan setiap detik untuk mencetak gol.

Dibandingkan Jerman, mental Spanyol tampaknya belum teruji. Dengan kelebihgan teknik dan kulitas individu, Torres dkk belum mengalami laga hidup-mati seperti yang dijalani jerman ketika membungkam Turki 3-2.

Sejak awal turnamen Spanyol selalu menang dan hanya mengalami sekali kebobolan lebih dulu yaitu, saat menghadapi Yunani di babak penyisihan grup. Itupun ketika Aragones menurunkan pemain lapis duanya. Spanyol juga punya rekor bagus, tidak terkalahkan dalam 21 laga terakhir.

Spanyol bisa menerapkan gaya permainan tradisionalnya, yaitu umpan pendek dan penguasaan bola karena pemain Jerman yang tinggi-tinggi relative kalahlincah. Contohnya ketika melawan Turki. Jerman kesulitan mengatasi permainan bola kaki ke kaki.

Dari segi pertahanan, kipper dan barisan pertahanan merupakan titik lemah Jerman. Dua gol Turki ke gawang Jens Lehmann, bermula dari kesulitan duet bek Per Mersacker dan Christoph Metzelder membaca pergerakan Ugur Boral dan Semith Sentruk.

Kedua bek tengah itu lebih suka menghadapi penyerang berpostur tinggi daripada mengawasi pergerakan pemain mungil namun cepat, seperti Fabregras atau Iniesta.

Perkiraan Formasi:

Jerman (4-2-3-1): Lehman(g); Friedrich Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm; Hizisperger, Frings; Schweinsteiger, Ballack, Poldolski; Klose.

Spanyol (4-1-4-1): Cassilas(g); Ramos, Zyrianov Puyol, Capdevilla; Senna; Iniesta, Fabregras, Xavi, Silva; Torres.

"Head to Head":
Jerman Menang 2 kali
Imbang 3 kali
Spanyol Menang 2 kali

Profile Team (Spain & Germany)

Spain

Nickname: La Furia Roja (The Red Fury), La Seleccion
Domestic Association:

Real Federación Española de Fútbol - based in Madrid and founded in 1909 the Royal Spanish Football Federation received FIFA affiliation in 1913 and UEFA affiliation in 1954.
Confederation:

UEFA (Europe)
Current Coaching Staff and Notable Team Officials:

Head Coach: Luis Aragonés
Team Captain: Iker Casillas
International Records - Nation:

European Championship Winners - 1964
International Records - Players:

Most capped player - Andoni Zubizarreta (126 caps)
Most international goals - Raúl (44 goals)
National Stadium:

Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain

Owned by Spanish La Liga side Real Madrid the Bernabeu is regarded as one of the world's most famous football venues.
FIFA World Cup Record:

1930 - Did Not Enter
1934 - Quarter-final
1938 - Did Not Enter
1950 - Fourth place
1954 - Did not qualify
1958 - Did not qualify
1962 - Round 1
1966 - Round 1
1970 - Did not qualify
1974 - Did not qualify
1978 - Round 1
1982 - Round 2
1986 - Quarter-final
1990 - Round of 16
1994 - Quarter-final
1998 - Round 1
2002 - Quarter Finals
2006 - Round of 16
UEFA European Championships Record:

1960 - Quarter-final
1964 - Champions
1968 - Quarter-final
1972 - Did not qualify
1976 - Quarter-final
1980 - Round 1
1984 - Runners-Up
1988 - Round 1
1992 - Did not qualify
1996 - Quarter-final
2000 - Quarter-final
2004 - Round 1

Germany

Nickname: Die Nationalelf
Domestic Association:

Deutscher Fußball-Bund — DFB - founder member of both FIFA and UEFA. During the Second World War and the resulting separation of East and West Germany, East German football was governed by Deutscher Fußball Verband der DDR (DFV) which was assimilated into DFB upon reunification.
Confederation:

UEFA (Europe)
Current Coaching Staff and Notable Team Officials:

Head Coach: Joachim Löw
Team Captain: Michael Ballack
International Records - Nation:

World Cup Winners - 1954, 1974, 1990 European Championship Winners - 1972, 1980, 1996
International Records - Players:

Most capped player - Lothar Matthäus (150 caps)
Most international goals - Gerd Müller (68 goals)
No National Stadium:

FIFA World Cup Record:

1930 - Withdrew
1934 - Semi-Finals
1938 - Round 1
1950 - Banned
1954 - Champions
1958 - Semi-Finals
1962 - Quarter Finals
1966 - Final
1970 - Semi-Finals
1974 - Champions
1978 - Group Round 2
1982 - Final
1986 - Final
1990 - Champions
1994 - Quarter-Finals
1998 - Quarter-Finals
2002 - Final
2006 - Semi-Finals
UEFA European Championships Record:

1960 - Did Not Enter
1964 - Did Not Enter
1968 - Did not qualify
1972 - Champions
1976 - Runners-up
1980 - Champions
1984 - Round 1
1988 - Semi-finals
1992 - Runners-up
1996 - Champions
2000 - Round 1
2004 - Round 1

Last 8 Match Spain and Germany

                Spain                                                                         Germany
27-06-08 Spain vs Russia       3 - 0             26-06-08 Germany vs Turkey         3 - 2
23-06-08 Spain vs Italy          0 - 0             20-06-08 Portugal vs Germany       2 - 3
19-06-08 Spain vs Greece      2 - 1             17-06-08 Austria vs Germany           0 - 1
15-06-08 Spain vs Sweden     2 - 1             13-06-08 Germany vs Croatia           1 - 2
11-06-08 Spain vs Russia       4 - 1              09-06-08 Germany vs Poland           2 - 0
05-06-08 Spain vs USA          1 - 0              31-05-08 Germany vs Serbia            2 - 1
01-06-08 Spain vs Peru          2 - 1              27-05-08 Germany vs Belarus          2 - 2
27-03-08 Spain vs Italy          1 - 0              27-03-08 Switzerland vs Germany  0 - 4

Analisa Pertandingan Jerman vs Spanyol

Partai final Spanyol vs Jerman diprediksi bakal seru dan lebih ketat. Bahkan banyak yang menyebut partai tersebut partai idela untuk pergelaran Final Piala eropa 2008. Apalagi kedua tim memiliki kualitas yang sama-sama bagus.

Spanyol maupun Jerman memiliki senjata yang bisa diandalkan untuk memenangkan pertandingan. Di final nanti, tergantung kepada kepiawaian pelaih masing-masing tim untuk meracik strategi yangh paling mujarab. Dari lika-liku perjalanan ke final, tentunya Spanyol lebih unggul, mereka belum menelan satu kekalahanpun berbeda dengan Jerman yang pernah menelan kekalahan dari Kroasia 1-2.

Dari produktivitas gol sudah jelas bahwa Spanyol sedikit lebih produktif. Spanyol dari penyisihan hingga final sudah memasukkan 15 gol dan kemasukkan 5 gol. Berbeda dengan Jerman yang hanya menceploskan 10 gol dan kemasukkan 6 gol. Dari data tersebut juga terlihat lini belakang jerman sedikit lebih rapuh dibandingkan Spanyol.

Berdasarkan data itu, Jerman harus lebih hati-hati saat menghadapi Spanyol di final nanti, terutama pada penyerang-penyerang Spanyol. Lini belakang Jerman harus lebih disiplin terhadap para bomber Spanyol.

Sektor gelandang juga harus mendapat perhatian serius, pasalnya lini kedua ini paling sentral. Siapapun yang dapat menguasai lapangan tengah lapangan pada laga final nanti berpeluang besar memenangkan pertandingan. Maklum, kedua tim memiliki pemain-pemain gelandang yang sangat hebat. Jerman mempunyai ballack sedangkan Spanyol memiliki Iniesta

Yang jelas pertarungan kedua tim besar ini menjanjikan pertarungan yang seru. Pertarunga antara ‘Der panzer’ Jerman dan ‘La Furia Roja’ Spanyol, kita nantikan saja!..

Rekor Pertandingan ---Spanyol vs Jerman---

Spanyol dan Jerman akan bertemu di final Euro 2008 senin dinihari. Kedua tim belum pernah bertemu pada laga final sebelumnya, baik di Piala Eropa maupun Piala Dunia. Ada beberapa momen tak terlupakan dalam 19 pertemuan kedua tim raksasa eropa ini, terutama pada Piala Dunia 1966 dan 1982 serta Piala Eropa 1984.

Jerman mengalahkan Spanyol 2-1 pada fase grup Piala Eropa 1996 di Birmingham lewat gol penentu Uwe Seeler. Gol pertama yang dicetakLothar Emmerich tercatat dalam sejarah sepakbola. Emmerich mengontrol lemparan bola dari rekan seklub di Borrosia Dortmund, Siggi Heldt, dan melesakkannya ke gawang Spanyol dengan kaki kiri dari sudut sempit.

Jerman memberi pukulan lebih keras bagi Spanyol pada Piala Dunia 1982 ketika menyingkirkan sang tuan rumah dari arena kompetisi dengan kemenangan 2-1 pada putaran kedua penyisihan grup di Madrid. Gol kemenangan Jerman dihasilkan Klaus Fischer dan Pierre Littbarski.

Spanyol mampu membalskan dendam dua tahun kemudian di Piala Eropa 1984. El matador menggebuk Jerman lewat gol tunggal yang lahir dari sundulan Antonio Maceda pada menit 89 untuk lolos ke babak semifinal. Gol itu jelas menghancurkan jerman. Selain tersingkir, pelatih Jupp Derwall juga harus kehilangan pekerjaan. Dia dipecat setelah bertugas selama enam bulan . Posisinya diganti ikon Jerman, Franz Beckenbour.

Tim besutan Beckenbour kembali bertemu spantol di Piala Eropa 1988, tuan rumah kembali menangguk kemenangan 2-0. Jerman juga mengalahkan Spanyol pada dua laga perempat final untuk lolos ke putaran final Piala Eropa 1976 dan bermain 1-1 di Piala Dunia 1994. Jerman mampu lolos ke final Piala Dunia 1966 dan Piala Eropa 1976 namun gagal menjadi juara. Spanyol pun dikalahkan Prancis pada final Piala Eropa 1984. Dari total pertemuan kedua tim, Jerman unggul dengan delapan kemenangan sementara Spanyo hanya lima kemenangan. Enam pertandingan sisa terakhir berakhir imbang Statistik bukan bukti kehebatan sebuah tim. Apalagi Spanyol telah menghapus beberapa ‘kutukan’ sehingga kini bisa meraih tempat pada laga pamungkas di Wina.

Spanyol Telah Bangun dari Tidur!!....

Final Piala Eropa 2008 akhirnya akan mencapai puncaknya, mempertemukan Jerman dengan Spanyol di partai final. Jagoan group A-B lawan kampiun group C-D. Kalau Spanyol yang menang, itu artinya sejarah 44 tahun lalu terulang. Tapi pada 1964 itu, saat mengalahkan Uni Soviet(2-1), Spanyol merupakan tuan rumah. Maka hampir seisi stadion mensupport tim matador itu, namun pada laga ini Spanyol bukanlah tuan rumah, penonton pastinya akan tebagi dua mendukung Jerman dan Spanyol sama banyaknya.

Pada permulaan Piala Eropa, Jerman dijadikan unggulan terfavorit menjuarai Euro 2008. Salah satu alasannya karena tim-tim besar seperti Italia dan Belanda sudah kandas di babak perempat final. Tapi, setelah melihat cara Spanyol bermain saat meluluhlantahkan Rusia 3-0 di semifinal, angin dukungan mendadak berbelok arah.

Anak asuh Luis Aragones berpeluang menjadi juara saat bertemu dengan Jerman pada laga pamungkas Euro 2008 di stadion Ernst happel, wina, Austria senin dinihari WIB. Catatan sejarah memperlihatkan ini adalah kali ketiga spanyol mapu melaju hingga babak final. Spanyol sudah dua kali menuju final. Pertama pada 1964 saat mengalahkan Uni Soviet, seperti saya katakana pada awal artikel ini. Final kedua mereka raih pada 1984 di Euro Prancis. Tapi di final Spanyol menyerah 0-2 dari tuan rumah Prancis. Sesudahnya Spanyol seperti tertidur. Baik di Euro atau Piala Dunia, Spanyol selalu gagal mencapai final.

Mampukah para matador ini melanjutkan kegemilangan seperti saat melumat Rusia?Jika mampu mengalahkan jerman, kesempurnaan menjadi milik Spanyol. “Kami telah lolos ke babak final Euro 2008. ini yang kami inginkan sejak awal. Tapi kami akan bertarung dengan tim yang sangat kuat, Jerman. Itu merupakan tantangan terbesar kami.” Ujar Aragones.

Dari sisi strategi nampaknya Spanyol bakal pede dengan modal kemenangan atas Italia dan Rusia. Yakni, mengusung pola 4-4-2 yang bisa dimodifikasi menjadi 4-2-3-1 di tengah pertandingan. Mulai lini pertahanan hingga penyerang, Spanyol hamper memiliki skuad yang lengkap secara kulitas individu maupun kerja sama. Pola serangan bakal kembali dibangun melalui Sergio Ramos yang dibantu Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez dan David Silva. Namun penyerang Spanyol yang merupakan pencetak gol terbanyak di Euro 2008 ini, David Villa diragukan tampil akibat cedera otot yang didapatnya pada laga melawan Rusia.

Spain 3-2 Russia

Fabregas proves the inspiration

Superb Spain stormed into their first final in 24 years by rolling over in-form Russia at Euro 2008 in Vienna.

On another wet night in Austria, Luis Aragones' men attacked throughout and scored second-half goals through Xavi, substitute Daniel Guiza and David Silva to claim their fifth win in as many games and set up a title showdown with Germany on Sunday.

The outcome prevented the Russians, who lost 4-1 to Spain in their opening game, from making their first appearance in the final since the break-up of the Soviet Union.

Spain were on top at the Ernst Happel Stadion in the first half but had no goals to show for their efforts and, after losing the tournament's leading goalscorer David Villa to injury in the 34th minute, their prospects did not look bright.

Arsenal playmaker Cesc Fabregas, who converted the winning spot-kick to beat Italy in a penalty shootout in the quarter-final, came on and excelled just as Guiza did when he replaced Fernando Torres.

Russia coach Guus Hiddink made one change to his starting XI with Vasili Berezutski replacing suspended defender Denis Kolodin.

Spain boss Luis Aragones fielded his strongest line-up with Torres playing alongside Villa.

Spain came flying out of the traps and almost took the lead after just five minutes when Villa fed Torres inside the area but the Liverpool striker's close-range effort was parried away by goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Russia meanwhile, struggled to get past the Spanish defence.

With 10 minutes played, Villa's right-footed effort from the edge of the area was saved by Akinfeev.

The Russians weathered the early storm and began to grow in confidence, with Roman Pavlyuchenko hitting a powerful strike that went straight into the hands of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Andres Iniesta missed a golden chance to put Spain in front in the 26th minute when he was unable to control Xavi's clever pass into the area.

Casillas came to the rescue for Spain on the half-hour mark, diving full length to palm away Pavlyuchenko's curled effort from the edge of the area.

The Spanish were rocked shortly after, when star striker Villa limped off and was replaced by Fabregas.

And the Russians almost took the lead seconds later.

Pavlyuchenko chested down Ivan Saenko's cross inside the box but fired wide, much to the relief of Casillas.

But back came Spain and Ramos got past his marker before firing just wide of the near post.

Torres should have put Spain in front before half-time. Having perfectly controlled Fabregas's pass, the striker could only manage a weak effort that proved an easy save for the keeper.

Spain picked up where they left off after half-time, and their efforts were rewarded five minutes into the second half.

Xavi played in Iniesta down the left, before finishing his team-mate's cross from inside the box with a well-timed run into the box.

Torres almost made it 2-0 shortly after, with his curled angled effort from Fabregas' assist going just high over the bar.

Hiddink reacted to going a goal behind by making a double substitution with Bilyaletdinov and Vladimir Bystrov replacing Igor Semshov and Saenko.

But it was Spain who looked more dangerous.

Torres twice had the opportunity to double Spain's lead thanks to two sensational Ramos passes but the Liverpool striker could not hit the target.

Aragones made Torres pay for those mistakes as he brought on Guiza to replace him.

And the move was an inspired one as Guiza made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute.

Fabregas played in Guiza inside the area who lobbed Russia keeper Igor Akinfeev.

With Russia offering little opposition, Spain continued to surge forward and put the game beyond their rivals' reach with nine minutes remaining.

Fabregas' perfect ball found Silva inside the area, who fired past Akinfeev to start the fiesta for the Spanish fans.

With two minutes left, Russia almost got a consolation goal but Casillas made a stunning save to deny Bilyaletdinov's header from Andrei Arshavin's cross.

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.
 
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.

Stadium: Ernst Happel Stadion
Attendance:
Match Time: 19:45 UK
Referee(s):
Kyros Vassaras (Fourth Official)
Frank De Bleeckere (Referee)
Alex Verstraeten (Linesman)
Peter Hermans (Linesman)

Match Stats

                   Russia        Spain
Shots (on Goal)     9(4)         18(12)
Fouls               17           14
Corner Kicks         3            4
Offsides             3            3
Time of Possession  35%          65%
Yellow Cards         2            0
Red Cards            0            0
Saves               13            4

Rusia Siaga, Spanyol Siap Tempur!..

Spanyol dan Rusia sma-sama berambisi mencetak sejarah saat bertemu pada semifinal Piala Eropa 2008 di stadion Ernst Happel, Austria, Jumat dinihari. Kedua tim ingin meraih kembali kejayaan puluhan tahun lalu.

Gelar satu-satunya yang pernah dicicipi Spanyol adalah Piala Eropa 1964. cukup tragis memang, untuk tim sekelas spanyol yang selalu dihuni pemain-pemain berbakat. Sejak Piala Eropa 1984, Spanyol tidak pernah mencapai semifinal sebuah turnamen besar. Piala Eropa kali ini impian La Furia Roja Spanyol bisa terwujud.

Rusia pun gagal meraih prestasi tinggi sejak hancurnya Uni Soviet pada 1991. Terakhir, mereka meinikmati final sebuah turnamen besar pada Piala Eropa 1988. Saat itu Rusia, masih bernama Uni Soviet, harus mengakui ketangguhan Belanda 0-2 di final. Sejak itu Rusia seakan tenggelam, seiring dengan jatuhnya Uni Soviet.

Spanyol dan Rusia pernah bertemu sembilan kali. Spanyol meraih lima kemenangan dan Rusia hanya sekali, yaitu pada kualifikasi Piala eropa 1971. Spanyol memenagkan tiga pertemuan dengan Rusia di putaran final Piala eropa. Spanyol unggul 2-1 (1964), 1-0(2004), dan 4-1 di fase group D Piala eropa 2008 belum lama ini.

Kali ini Spanyol akan turun dengan kekuatan penuh. Pelatih Luis Aragones bisa menurunkan semua pemain terbaiknya. Spanyol khawatir pada semangat Rusia yang ingin melakukan balas dendam atas kekalahan fase group.

Spanyol akan mengenakan kostum kedua berwarna kuning sementara Rusia merah. Bagi rakyat Spanyol, kuning adalah warna sial. Aragones juga beranggapan demikian. Saat melatih Atletico Madrid, Aragones melarang menggunakan kostum kostum kedua berwarna kuning. Aragones juga pernah menolak menerima rangkaian bunga warna kuning ketika tiba di Dortmund pada Piala Dunia 2006.

Pemain Spanyol tidak takut mengenakan kostum kuning. “Tidak ada masalah. Saya selalu memakai kostum kuning.”ujar gelandang Marcos Senna, yang selau mengenakan kostum kuning karena membela Villareal.

Rusia dating dengan misi balas dendam. Sejak kekalahan pada laga pembuka, Rusia bangkit dan memukul Swedia dan Belanda. Kali ini Rusia tidak ingin mengulangi kesalahan. “Kami selalu berusaha untuk berkembang. Kami telah belajar meski sangat singkat. Kami Berharap kemenganga akan berlanjut.” Uajr pelatih Rusia Guus Hiddink.

Hiddink banyak berharap kepada playmaker Andrei Arshavin yang menjadi pahlawan Rusia saat mengalahkan Swedia dan Belanda. Pada pertemuan pertama Arshavin absent karena skorsing. Saying Rusia kehilangan bek Denis Kolodin dan gelandang Dmitri Torbinski akibat akumulasi kartu.

Prakiraan Pemain

Rusia (4-4-2): Igor Akinfeyev(g); Alexander Anyukov, Vasily Berezutsky, Sergei Ignashevich, Yuri Zhirkov; Sergei Semak, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Konstantin Zyrvanov, Igor Sernshov; Andrei Arshavin, Roman pavlyuchenko. Pelatih: Guus Hiddink.

Spanyol (4-1-3-2): Iker cassilas(g); Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Carlos Machena, Joan Capdevila; Marcos Senna; Andrea Iniesta, Xavi, David Silva; David Villa, Fernando Torres. Pelatih: Luis Aragones.

Spain Vs Russia Prediction

It’s down to the final four teams in the EURO 2008 Semi-finals. First off, on Wednesday June 25, is Germany vs Turkey then, on Thursday June 26, is Spain vs Russia. Germany and Spain are no surprise to be where they are, but Turkey and Russia have shocked the world! The Spain vs Russia game takes place at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. Oddsmakers at Sportsbetting.com have Spain as 2.00 moneyline favs over Russia who are listed as 3.25 underdogs. Get your Spain vs Russia: EURO 2008 Semi Final Betting Prediction in now at Sportsbetting.com

Russia got to the Semi-finals after a stunning 3-1 won over the heavily favored Dutch side. Roman Pavluchenko banged in the first goal only to be countered by Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s goal in the 86th minute to send the match into extra time. Dmitri Torbinski and Andrei Arshavin scored in the second half of extra time as the Dutch couldn’t wrinkle the back onion bag. Now they look ahead to their match against Spain. The combination of Pavluchenko and Arshavin have netted the Russians five goals and their Coach Guus Hiddink label of “The Wizard.” A big reason for their success has been the freedom of which players play on and off the field. "Under Hiddink, there is much more freedom in the team and I mean the kind of freedom you get off the pitch," Arshavin revealed. "In training, you must do as you're told, but outside the training ground no one controls us anymore. No one imposes their requirements on us. It was different before." A happy team is a winning team. The Russians have the youngest squad in EURO 2008, the trust Hiddink places in youth has been an added bonus to his side. Their Coach doesn’t listen to the media or take orders from higher ups, instead he focuses on what a football team should be. He trusts his players as he selects youngsters at every opportunity and bravely uses them in games. He is not afraid of responsibility. They have a coach who is football smart, who has been here before and who is capable of getting his team to the finals. The Russians are playing with great harmony and skill

Spain got a 1-0 penalty kick win over Italy after a lack luster performance Sunday. After resting his squad for the meaningless game against Greece, coach Luis Aragones lined up his strongest team, with tournament top scorer David Villa playing alongside Fernando Torres in attack, but they still couldn’t produce any goals. They’ll have to do a lot better against the goal happy Russians. If Spain have trouble scoring they’ll definitely have to neutralize Andrei Arshavin, or else there’s trouble ahead. “Arshavin is a little genius,” says former Russia and Moscow Spartak star Igor Shalimov. “He can do everything, score, create, read the game and change the tempo, make fast breaks to hurt the opposition, take set pieces and battle for the team. He is so influential.” They’ll have to get David Villa, Fernando Torres, David Silva and Sergio Garcia rolling on offense, apply pressure to their defense. Spain can’t sit back and wait for the other side to make a mistake. “The semi-final with Russia will be a totally different type of game, much more open. The Russians are like us, they are attack-conscious and we will need to circulate the ball.”

Head to Head: 4 matches played
Spain leads 3-0
1 match ended in a draw
Spain scored 6 goals
Russia scored 1 goal

from: http://www.point-spreads.com/

Sekilas Euro 2008

Siapakah kandidat Juara Euro 2008?

Dalam Euro 2008 kali in banyak terjadi kejutan-kejutan yang sulit dipercaya pengamat sepakbola di seluruh dunia.

Kejutan pertama datang dari tersingkirnya inggris di babak kulaifikasi. Tim sekuat inggris bisa tidak lolos babak kulaifikasi, hal itu tentunya sangat mengejutkan seluruh pecinta sepakbola.

Materi pemain bagus dan dukungan penuh suporter tidak sanggup membuat inggris lolos. Mereka kalah dari Kroasia, tim yang tidak diperhitungkan sebelumnya dapat berbuat banyak apalagi dapat mengalahkan tim sebesar inggris.

Kejutan tidak sampai di sana saja, pada kompetisi sesungguhnya di babak group. Dua tim unggulan Republik Ceko dan Prancis tersingkir secara mengejutkan. Terutama Republik Ceko, pada pertandingan “hidup mati”, mereka sempat unggul 2-0 atas tim “underdog” Turki. Tapi apa mau dikata dalam waktu 15 menit sebelum pertandingan usai gawang yang dijaga oleh kiper Peter Cech, kiper yang merupakan salah satu kiper terbaik di dunia dihujani tiga gol an salah satu gol tersebut tercipta berkat blunder kiper tersebut.

Sedangkan Prancis, mereka memang berada pada “group neraka” yang diisi Itali dan Belanda, tapi walaupun begitu, dapat dilihat memang performa Prancis pada Euro 2008 ini bisa dikatakan buruk, mereka tidak mengoleksi satu kemenangan pun. Italia pun bisa lolos babak eliminasi group ini dikarenakan faktor keberuntungan karena Rumania kalah oleh Belanda, jika saja Rumania menang dua tim besar gagal lolos di group yang sama, sungguh dramatis jika hal itu terjadi.

Pada babak perempat final, kejutan terbesar terjadi pada saat tim raksasa Belanda dikalahkan secara mengejutkan oleh Rusia. Bagaimana tidak tim yang difavoritkan juara oleh banyak kalangan karena performa mereka sangat meyakinkan di babak eliminasi group dapat dikalahkan tim Rusia yang diproyeksikan banyak orang hanya menjadi pemanis pada Euro 2008 kali ini.

Kemenangan-kemenangan besar pada babak eliminasi group seakan tidak ada artinya. Dalam pertandingan itu memang dapat dilihat dari segi performa Belanda kalah oleh Rusia. Kita patut mengacungkan jempol pada Guus Hidink, pelatih Rusia asal Belanda tersebut telah meramu strategi yang sangat apik sehingga tim Belanda dengan “total football”nya tidak berkutik di hadapan Rusia.

Tim lain yang mengalami kepahitan di perempat final adalah Kroasia, tim yang menyingkirkan Inggris di babak kulaifikasi ini dan pada babak eliminasi group tidak menelan satu kekalahanpun tersebut dikalahkan tim Turki denga dramatis pada babak adu penalti. Selain itu dua nama besar Portugal dan Itali dikalahkan dua tim besar lainnya Jerman dan Spanyol.

Tim-tim besar telah banyak berguguran dan tersisa empat tim yaitu Jerman, Spanyol, Rusia, dan Turki. Akankah terjadi kejutan demi kejutan lagi? Apakah dua tim “underdog” Rusia dan Turki akan dapat mengalahkan dua raksasa Spanyol dan Jerman? Rusia dengan faktor pelatih Guus Hidink dan para pemain mudanya yang potensial dan Turki dengan semangat pantang meyerah dan tentunya factor keberuntungannya.

Kita lihat saja nanti, tetapi yang perlu diingat filosofi ”Bola itu bundar”, semua hal dapat terjadi dalam sepakbola. Jangan sampai tim besar jerman dan Spanyol meremehkan lawan-lawan mereka, karena hal itu dapat menjadi bumerang bagi mereka sendiri.(dn)

Who Is the Euro2008 Winner

Germany

Spain

Russia

Turkey

Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 pen)

Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after a dour goalless draw in Vienna.



Marcos Senna came closest in normal time when Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon fumbled his shot on to a post.

Spain keeper Iker Casillas was the hero in the shoot-out, saving from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale.

Daniel Guiza saw his spot-kick saved by Buffon, but Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas slid home the crucial penalty to set up a last four clash with Russia.

The game never touched the heights and penalties was an almost inevitable outcome given the approach of both sides.

There will now be an intriguing backdrop to the semi-final in Vienna on Thursday, with Spain having beaten Russia - admittedly minus the inspirational Andrei Arshavin - 4-1 in a group game earlier in the competition.

And it was a change of fortune for the Spanish, who have gone out of three major championships on 22 June, the World Cups of 1986 and 2002 and Euro '96 - all in the quarter-finals on penalties.

The opening 45 minutes was a cautious affair, with chances - and quality - at a premium. David Villa, predictably, was the first player to pose a serious threat with a low drive drive from long range that was comfortably held by Italy keeper Buffon.

Fernando Torres had been kept quiet by some trademark Italian defending, but he escaped the shackles after 31 minutes to help set up a chance for David Silva, who curled a shot only inches wide from 25 yards.

Spain tried to break the stalemate by making a double substitution on the hour, sending on Fabregas and Santi Cazorla for Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

But it was an Italian substitute, Mauro Camoranesi, who almost made the breakthrough seconds later when he ended a chaotic goalmouth scramble with a shot that was blocked by the legs of Spanish keeper Casillas.

It had been a frustrating evening for the much-vaunted Spanish strike force of Torres and Villa - and the latter was booked for diving by referee Herbert Fandel after 71 minutes when he tumbled under challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.

Italy keeper Buffon suffered an anxious moment with 11 minutes left when he was forced to punch away a long-range free-kick from Senna.

He had an even bigger scare seconds later when he fumbled a routine shot from Senna, and was relieved to see the ball bounce back into his arms off an upright.

Torres had been disappointing, but it was still a surprise to see him hauled off again by Spain coach Luis Aragones with six minutes left and replaced by Guiza.

Spain had the first chance of extra time, with Silva sweeping an effort just wide with Buffon beaten.

Italy's response saw swift as Casillas turned over a header from Di Natale and Luca Toni headed just over the top.

The stalemate was soon resumed, although Cazorla shot across the face of goal with seconds left as the last chance of avoiding penalties was wasted.

Villa and Fabio Grosso exchanged successful penalties and Cazorla scored for Spain before Casillas saved brilliantly from De Rossi.

Senna and Camoranesi scored, but when Buffon saved from Guiza Italy were back in contention - only for Casillas to repeat his heroics to stop Di Natali's spot-kick.

Fabregas, on as substitute, was left to settle the affair and calmly beat Buffon to spark wild Spanish celebrations.


Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 59), Senna, Xavi (Fabregas 59), Silva, Villa, Torres (Guiza 85).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Alonso, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red, Reina.

Booked: Iniesta, Villa, Santi Cazorla.

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, Aquilani (Del Piero 108), De Rossi, Ambrosini, Perrotta (Camoranesi 58), Toni, Cassano (Di Natale 75).
Subs Not Used: Amelia, Gamberini, Borriello, Quagliarella, Materazzi, De Sanctis.

Booked: Ambrosini.

Att: 48,000

Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/

Italy 0-0 Spain (aet)
Penalty shootout
Spain 4 Italy 2
David Villa scored Fabio Grosso scored
Santi Cazorla scored Daniele De Rossi saved
Marcos Senna scored Mauro Camoranesi scored
Daniel Guiza saved Antonio Di Natale saved
Cesc Fabregas scored

Spain vs Italy Prediction

The final Quarter Final EURO 2008 match gets underway, Sunday June 22, with Italy vs Spain in Vienna`s, Ernst HappelStadion. For Spain it is an opportunity to make the last four for the first time since 1984 while Italy are bidding for their second semi-final berth in three EURO tournaments. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have Spain as +140 favs over Italy who are listed as +200 underdogs. Get your Italy vs Spain: EURO 2008 Quarter Finals Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com

Spain finished on top of Group D standings with a 3W-0D-0L record after beating Russia 4-1, Sweden 2-1 and Greece 2-1. They had eight goals for and three goals against. David Villa (4), Daniel Güiza, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fábregas and Rubén de la Red are the goal scorers for the Spanish. In recent international tournaments they’ve been less than spectacular, but now Spain are right on track to head all the way. Spain must not let Italy’s slow start fool them. A lot of times they have have struggled to get through the group stages but once they get into the quarter-finals or semi-finals they put out their best and it was quite similar in the (2006) World Cup, so we will have to be quite cautious about that,' midfielder Xabi Alonso said. Spain overcame four-times world champions Italy 1-0 in a friendly in March, they have never beaten the Azzurri at a major tournament outside the Olympic Games. “The psychological aspect is an important part of our work,” added Aragones. “I don't think what has happened in the past will weigh on the players.” Spain have confidence in their game after they went down 0-1 to Greece and came back with two goals to solidify the Quarter Final birth. “The fact we went a goal down, then fought back and won the game says a lot about this team,” said midfielder Ruben de la Red. “We all know we've now got the definitive test coming up and Italy are very difficult to play against but we've got a lot of confidence. “The statistics say they are the favourites as they have always beaten us but we are the form side and if we carry on playing the way we have done and stay firm at the back then we can win.”

Italy finished second in Group C standings with a 1W-1D-1L record after losing 0-3 to Netherlands, drawing 1-1 against Romania and beating France 2-0. They scored three goals for and four goals against. Christian Panucci, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi are the lone goal scorers for the Italians. The 2006 World Cup Champs came into EURO 2008 as heavy favorites to make the final, but judging by their performance through their Group matches they might be heading home after their match against Spain. Some injuries may play a big part in this match. Italy's veteran defender Christian Panucci feels fit and ready to play his fourth successive game after he suffered a slight knee problem in Group play and centre back Andrea Barzagli is out of the tournament after undergoing successful knee surgery. Cannavaro's replacement Alessandro Gamberini has only two caps for the world champions and is inexperienced on the big stage. The Italians have great success scoring at big tournaments and their defense has always been inpregnantable. This EURO has been one of their worst outings having only won one game and drawing to Romania. They’ve shown that they can play with their backs against the wall, and guess what, their backs are against the wall.

Head to Head: 27 matches played
Italy lead 9-8
10 matches ended in a draw
Italy scored 36 goals
Spain scored 28 goals

from: http://www.point-spreads.com/

Spain 2-1 Greece

Goals:
Charisteas 42’
De la Red 61’
Guiza 88’

With 10 new faces in the line-up (including 3 Liverpool starters), it was always going to be a tighter game for the Furia Roja. And with nothing left to lose in the competition, going out at the group stage despite being the holders, Greece was willing to attack, although still as difficult to break down as always.

Not only was Xabi Alonso the captain of this revamped line-up, he was also the focal point. Today we saw Alonso near his best, setting the tempo in a deep-lying role, pinging both long and short passes, and nearly scoring from his own half (as he did against both Luton and Newcastle) in the 24th minute, only to see his shot go inches wide.

Even though the game was more lively than you’d expect, with Greece headed out and Spain playing the second string, there were still few opportunities for either side, with Alonso’s long range effort probably the best of the lot.

But in the 42nd minute, the Greece from Euro 2004 reappeared. Having picked up a number of free kicks throughout the half, they finally took advantage of one from the left flank, with Karagounis curling in a ball for Charisteas to head home. It looked like Arbeloa lost his man, although the fact that he didn’t even make the run with Charisteas makes me question who was supposed to mark him. Either way, it was another moment of shaky defending for the Spanish, and they paid for it. There was little Reina could do about it.

The second half saw much of the same, with Alonso still creating Spain’s best chances, most notably with a shot from distance that crashed off the inside of the far post in the 54th. But soon after, Guiza’s skillfully knocked down a long ball into the path of De la Red, who make no mistake with an unstoppable shot from just inside the box. Nikopolidis got a hand to it, but there was no way it was staying out.

It looked likely to end level, which wouldn’t have been an unfair result, but Spain’s increasing pressure finally paid off in the 88th minute when Guiza, who had struggled as a lone striker, got away from his marker to head in an inch-perfect Garcia cross.

Once again, Spain had problems breaking down a packed defense, and Greece is one of the best at getting bodies in front of attackers and closing down the space in the final third of the pitch. Like against Sweden, Spain were too intricate at times, and moves would break down when they approached the Greek goal. One moment stood out when Guiza and Fabregas linked up well on Garcia’s long ball, but it was one pass too many when Fabregas touched it back to Guiza instead of shooting, and nothing came of it. In addition, Dani Guiza is certainly no Torres or Villa, and Spain weren't getting anywhere near enough from the lone striker; they've looked far, far better playing two up top.

But like against Sweden, they held on in the end, and came up winners thanks to taking the game to their opponents for the full 90 minutes and getting a late goal. And surprise, surprise, it came from the player I thought did the least for his chances. Even though Sweden has been better than the Greeks (despite Sweden’s capitulation to Russia today), it’s arguably more impressive today as Spain came back from a goal down and were playing the B-team.

But now the fun starts. No matter how disappointing the Italians were in the group stage, I’m sure they're a team Spain wanted to avoid in the quarter-finals. This tournament is spookily shaping up like the last World Cup: Spain was outstanding in the first game and the best side in their group, only to be matched up with an experienced, if underperforming, big side in the knock-out round. Let’s hope history doesn’t continue to repeat itself.

But to conclude I want to go back to Alonso, who was arguably today’s man of the match, as this is still a Liverpool blog. Today re-raised all the questions that have surfaced because of the supposed Barry for Alonso switch. When Alonso plays like he did today, he looks like he could go straight into any side in the world (he was probably the only player today who forced himself into contention against Italy, and I think he should be starting ahead of Senna, especially with the way the Italians have been playing). He sets the tempo for the entire team and can seemingly complete any pass (if given the time and space to do so).

But he’s been showing less and less of that for Liverpool this season. I’m well aware his injury played a huge part in that, but even after returning to fitness, the first leg against Chelsea was the only match where he truly excelled. And given Liverpool's problems in the league, I completely understand purchasing players with an eye on the Premiership. Alonso rarely, especially after the damage he did in his first season, gets that time and space he needs in England.

I will be devastated to lose Xabi. He is one of my favorites, and I’ve got a lot of time for players who know how to control the tempo and have that range of passing. But I’ve got even more faith in Rafa Benitez. If Benitez feels like Barry, who can link up excellently with Gerrard, is better on set plays, and has an excellent passing sense of his own, is a player than can improve Liverpool in England, so be it. Benitez is renowned for collecting central midfielders (he’s purchased Alonso, Sissoko, Mascherano, Lucas, and Plessis), and knows exactly what he wants out of the position. Plus, the relationship between Alonso and Benitez has always seemed close, so if Benitez is ready ship the player out, he has to feel secure with the decision.

But today’s game showed exactly why I’ll always follow the career of Xabi Alonso, no matter where he plays.

Sweden 1-2 Spain

David Villa's last-gasp strike helped Spain snatch a 2-1 victory over Sweden in their Euro 2008 Group D encounter.



The winner came from nothing as the Spanish defence sent a hopeful long ball upfield, only for Villa to sidestep the Swedish defence and calmly slot the ball past Andreas Isaksson.


Spain had taken the lead after 15 minutes when Fernando Torres latched onto David Silva's through ball to tap home his first goal of the tournament.


Sweden had a chance of an instant reply when Johan Elmander found himself one-on-one with Iker Casillas, but his right-footed effort found the side-netting.


But Sweden grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 34th minute when Fredrik Stoor's cross found Zlatan Ibrahimovic who sent the ball underneath a hesitant Casillas.


But Villa's late effort, coupled with Russia's win over Greece later on Saturday, means Spain are now certain of a place in the quarter-finals as they will progress as group winners.


Early threat


The in-form Spanish, now undefeated in 18 games, quickly settled into their passing game and were soon probing the Sweden defence for frailties.


However, apart from an Andres Iniesta shot that went high and wide and a moment of danger when David Silva got in behind the Sweden defence before being closed down, Lars Lagerback's side were able to deal with the early Spanish threat.


Sweden's success lasted just 15 minutes though before they found themselves a goal down thanks to a well-worked Spain corner.


Xavi played a low ball in towards the front post for David Villa, who in turn found Valencia club-mate Silva on the edge of the box and his cross back in towards the six-yard box was stabbed home by the stretching Torres.


It had been largely all Spain up until that point, but Sweden proved there were two teams in the contest as they almost fashioned an immediate equaliser to Torres' goal.


Veteran forward Henrik Larsson cleverly slipped Elmander through on the right of the area, but the Toulouse forward smashed his shot into the side-netting with only Casillas to beat.


Ibrahimovic, widely regarded as Sweden's chief threat, had been well-marshalled by the Spain backline but the Internazionale striker showed his class as he drew his side level 11 minutes before half-time.


The giant striker raced onto a deep cross from Fredrik Stoor, brought the ball under control and, just as it appeared as though the chance might be lost, he held off the challenge of Sergio Ramos before sliding a low shot past Casillas.


That was Ibrahimovic's second goal of the tournament following his superb effort against Greece and saw him move to within one of Spain striker Villa.


Like Ibrahimovic, Villa had also been fairly quiet, but the hat-trick hero against Russia brought a save out of Isaksson in the 37th minute with a 20-yard volley.


Injury setback


Sweden suffered a setback at half-time when Ibrahimovic, who had been an injury doubt leading up to the game due to a knee problem, failed to re-appear for the second half, with Markus Rosenberg taking his place.


Rosenberg had little opportunity to impress in the first 15 minutes of the second half though as the two teams cancelled each other out, and in a bid to shake things up Spain boss Aragones opted to make a double change on the hour-mark with Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla sent into action.


Soon after their introduction Spain had a great chance to take the lead as the Sweden goal survived three near misses in quick succession.


First Silva's shot was parried by Isaksson, who then did well to bravely block the follow-up from Villa. The ball was still alive though and, with Isaksson out of position, Torres looked set to slot into an empty net only to see his effort deflected for a corner.


Spain were starting to get the upper hand and Isaksson was again called into action in the 67th minute, diving full-length to turn away Marcos Senna's 25-yard drive.


Sweden enjoyed a rare chance in 78th minute when a deep Anders Svensson free-kick cleared the Spain defence and found Petter Hansson at the far post, but the centre-back put his volley across the face of goal.


Spain piled forward in the closing stages in search of the winning goal, but when Isaksson saved Torres' low shot in the 89th minute it looked as though the Swedes would be taking a hard-earned point.


However, Villa had other ideas and he raced onto a Joan Capdevila long-ball forward, skipped inside Hansson before coolly slotting home past Isaksson for the winner.

Spain 4-1 Russia

Right, I had to answer some pretty tricky emails about the URLs we're going to use for the Olympics - wait until you read those babies, they'll blow you away - so here's some hastily pasted team news.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila,
Silva, Senna, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Torres. Subs: Palop, Albiol,
Fernando Navarro, Juanito, Arbeloa, Alonso, De la Red, Fabregas,
Santi Cazorla, Guiza, Sergio Garcia, Reina.

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Shirokov, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Sychev,
Zyryanov, Semak, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov, Pavluchenko. Subs:
Gabulov, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Ignashevich,
Alexei Berezutsky, Bystrov, Torbinsky, Ivanov, Saenko, Adamov,
Malafeev.

Referee: Konrad Plautz (Austria)

If you think I'm lazy, the BBC haven't even started their coverage yet. Instead, we're treated to Newsround, which has told me some dolphins have died (boo), a kitten has been saved by some fireman (hooray), Harry Hill thinks sports days are good and the presenter has a scandalously low-cut top for a children's show. No wonder the younger generation is going to pot. In Craven's day it was turtlenecks all the way.

Come on then, Naylor, have you say: "Spain are in the weakest group, but have an awkward opening match. They've oceans of talent, but possibly don't know their best XI. And will the mix of players drawn from such diverse clubs and cultures gel on the day? We've been here before haven't we? Spain are amongst the favourites, but you can't help thinking that another car crash of a tournament awaits them. They even lost to England on penalties in 96! (though El Tel was very fortunate not to go out that afternoon)." Now, Spain will coast this game – witness the way they blasted Ukraine and Tunisia away at the beginning of the last World Cup, before melting into a cowering wreck come the quarter-finals. As a mildly diverting, but kind of irrelevant-because-it- happened-four years-ago, footnote Spain's opening game of Euro 2004 saw them win 1-0 against …. Russia.

Now, Russia may have knocked England out but they really were terrible in qualifying – they gave England about 532 chances to get back into it, and only Steve McClaren could have failed to accept their ludicrously generous gifts. Plus, Arshavin - Russia's best player - is suspended today. Expect some Romania-style stonewalling.

1 min: Much ball stroking which almost sees the Russians intercept the ball deep in Spain's half. "Isn't that picture from the knockout stage of a tournament," chuckles George Templeton. "How often are Spain celebrating a goal by that time?"

4 min: Free-kick to Russia that causes a bit of puzzlement in the Spanish area, Casillas attempts to punch, stuffs it up, but his team clear. "Here's some URLs for the Olympics: snore@beijing.com; possdrugcheat@sprint.com; dullsport@bbc.co.uk; whocaresanymore@olympics.hubris.com," writes the ever helpful Naylor. They're email addresses, but we'll forgive you Gary. And you forgot factualerrors@tomlutz.co.uk.

5 min: Now it's Spain's turn for a spot of free-kickery. Villa latches onto it with an odd chest/header move that amuses rather than threatens. "My girlfriend is almost going out of her way to accommodate my need to watch as much of the Euros as possible," chunters Graham. "I'm fearing that the backlash, after the tournament has finished, will be fierce. Should I ditch her now, and enjoy an entirely guilt-free championships, or should I enjoy it while it lasts and ditch her straight afterwards, thus avoiding the backlash?" Force her top watch every single one of Stubbsy's pitchside chats with Marcel Desailly on a 24-hour loop, she should get the message pretty sharpish.

8 min: Shirokov fails to control a ball pinged up to him on the edge of the area, while at the other end Torres scuffs a shot wide of the post. David Hopkins can quote French writers and everything: "Voltaire once said 'If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent Him'. Is that how the Rebranded Website writers think of Gary Naylor? What would you do if you sat down for a commentary and Naylor hadn't helpfully written your introduction for you?" Hmmm, not sure let me email Naylor and see what he thinks.

11 min: "What sort of fool doesn't start Fabregas," demands David Doyle. A racist fool, David. And one that's noticed that Cesc is a bit sleepy after his Premier League excursions this season. England's chum Pavlyuchenko causes a few problems down the left, but he's offside as he hits his cross in (and it's rubbish anyway).

15 min: Shirokov ploughs through Villa and Spain get the free-kick, which comes to nowt. So far nothing has happened in this game and yet it's still five times more interesting than France's game yesterday, featuring as it does, shots, passes and all that good football stuff. Silva has a shot from distance straight at the keeper.

17 min: A busy few moments for Russia as they flirt with the idea of actually having a shot. In the end, they close their eyes, cross their fingers and take the risk: Sychev storms in, but his shot is blocked.

19 min: Villa makes space for himself and shoots when he really should have passed to Torres. He gets a corner though, which arrives smartly on the head of a Russian defender at the near post.

Goal!!!!!!! Spain 1–0 Russia (Villa, 20 min)Now Torres is a lot more unselfish than old grabby-guts Villa. He breaks clear and crosses to the unmarked Villa who taps the ball in.

23 min: Russia strike back! (Almost). They thump the ball against the post as Spain's defenders look on idly. Spain then counter-attack like their names were Holland and Akinfeev has to react smartly to put Torres off his stride.

27 min: As good as all this action is, it's quite hard on the old typing fingers. I almost pine for the long, flat stretches of France v Romania. Villa forces the corner after getting a shot in at the near post. "I'll be at work until 5.45 editing video of the dippy but pretty [namedrops furiously] Agyness Deyn in interview," writes Amir. What, you're not going to stick around for another hour and read the rest of my opus? "As for Graham dilemma, I'm in a similar boat - my other half has taken up online role playing games to counter the tournament. My only concern is that when the footie is over, she will either a/ hate me completely b/ be so engrossed in her online role playing that she's forgotten about me entirely c/ both." Or she'll have run off with a seven-foot purple Viking (that's not a euphemism).

29 min: Spain are playing beautifully at the moment, which makes their inevitable decline in a week or so's time even more tragic. The signs are there too, their defenders seem determined not to defend.

33 min: Zyryanov walks through the Spanish defence before they think to tackle him. Russia have had a bit more pressure of late, but aren't creating any real chances.

36 min: Spain take the pressure off with some exemplary tiki-tak (that's Spanish for knocking it about, if Spanish has Ks, it might not). I get an email to confirm our top tecchie Steven Wells (not that one) is working on the Olympic URLs right now – hold on to the seat of your pants, readers, this is about to get interesting.

39 min: "I didn't realise David Villa was Spanish for John Arne Riise," says James Wells. "Has Villa had a touch where he hasn't shot it? And shot it horribly off target, with the exception of the goal, of course?" Top punditry, Wells: Villa blasts a shot into a Russian defender's shins.

43 min: The BBC elect to show a crucial free-kick from a ridiculous overhead angle, which doesn't obscure the fact that Pavlyuchenko's shot strikes the bar. Having said that, our tools have stopped working, so we're not really ones to talk.

Goal!!!!!!! Spain 2–0 Russia (Villa 44 min)Iniesta cuts in and Villa slides the ball through Akinfeev's legs. OK, so his finishing might be a bit better than John Arne Riise's

Half-timeGreat stuff from Villa (and Torres) who have ripped the Russian centre-halfs apart with their movement.

"Spain play some very pretty football but I'm unconvinced. A better pressing team like Italy would give them great problems," says Gene Salorio. Well, maybe not Italy.

"I popped into crowded local bar just as Spain scored here in Barcelona. Pretty sure I actually heard a pin drop," writes Jim Burke. "The Barcelona cats don't seem to be behind the national team, for some reason." Woah! Even the cats in Barcelona are against Spain, no wonder they implode.

46 min: Russia start the second half. "I love the way Spain play but they are so wee. Lots of wee tricky men in midfield. Plus they have a flapper between the sticks," says Russell Brady, conjuring unhealthy images of Iker Casillas dancing the Charleston (he's a brilliant keeper, by the way). "I predict second round exit at the hands of some big men via set-pieces." Ah, where are England when you need them?

47 min: Zhirkov skips past a defender, but gets carried away and loses the ball when he should have crossed. Still, Russia can claim to have dominated this half.

50 min: Bystrov has a fairly free header, but it goes straight to Casillas, who doesn't flap. An associate professor of Spanish (no less) tells us something we'd kind of figured out already. "It may be that the Barcelona cats may not be behind the Spanish national team on account of the centuries of oppression that the Catalan culture has faced at the hands of those in Madrid," storms Bob Davidson.

54 min: Torres is off and Fabregas is on and we have one striker. There goes the best (only) attacking football we've seen at this tournament. "Can I be the 1,057th person to express astonishment at seeing Villa on the scoresheet twice before half time," says Luke Williams. "I mean, that hasn't happened since Andy Gray left, has it?." Or the last time they played Birmingham. Or Chelsea.

58 min: Villa has another shot. Yep, he's scored two but he could easily have had four or five. My foolish decision to open a whole Cannery Row's worth of worms with Jim Burke's email has resulted in at least 98 diatribes on Spanish/Catalan relations which you can flick through at your pleasure if you send me a tenner. I'm praying Switzerland-Turkey don't have any history behind them for tomorrow' s game.

61 min: Bilyaletdinov shoots just wide, although he really should have done better. Spain are attempting to shut up shop, but keep on letting people in to buy post-pub fags and some Pickled Onion Monster Munch.

62 min: Zhirkov puts in a satisfying crunch of a challenge as Silva advances in on goal.

64 min: Iniesta, who has looked a bit peaky all game, is off and Santi Cazorla in on.

67 min: Senna has a header well saved from a corner, before Silva cracks in a great shot that Akinfeev clutches to his chest. "Speaking as an associate professor of Russian (no less, no more), may I lower the cultural level and note that Tommy Smyth's comments on ESPN are even more inane and inaccurate than usual," fumes Associate Professor of Russian Andrew Reynolds. "I'm amazed there aren't any web petitions aimed at getting him and his bulging onion bags the sack. Perhaps we can persuade our American friends to hire Gary Naylor instead?" I think Naylor's aiming to team up with Obama on a dream politics/football trivia ticket.

70 min: Pavlyuchenko is free in the box, but Spain close him down quickly and his shot can only find a defender's legs.

71 min: Bystrov (who was a sub himself) is off and Adamov is on, dashing my hopes of seeing the end of Bilyaletdinov, whose name takes eight minutes to type.

72 min: Russia seem content to see the end of this game, saving themselves for the gentler arms of Sweden and Greece.

Goal!!!!!!! Spain 3–0 Russia (Villa 75 min)Fabregas rips off his jim-jams and delivers a superb ball that Villa slides past Akinfeev.

77 min: The excellent Silva makes way for Alonso. "Nope, no real animosity between the Swiss and the Turks, although the Saracens (some of whom may have been from what is now Turkey) did overrun the Valais in the 10th century," writes Luke Williams who really should be associate professor of Swiss/Turk relations. "Nowadays, that sort of thing is usually done by eager Brits in bobble hats, keen to sample Swiss hospital food and to contribute to the booming Swiss crutch industry."

80 min: Spain are playing the most luxurious of luxury football, just because they can. Rather charmingly, they're all too polite to shoot, eager to give it to one of their friends to score.

84 min: Steve Forstneger reminds me of the fisticuffs Switzerland and Turkey enjoyed during qualification for the last World Cup, so tomorrow should be fun. Casillas has just been clattered while coming for a cross and isn't looking too well.

Goal!!!!!!! Spain 3–1 Russia (Pavlyuchenko 86 min)Russian corner and Pavlyuchenko stoops to head home. Spain don't look too bothered though.

89 min: A brilliantly bad ball from Ramos as he gives it away to Russia on the edge of the area. Spain have been pretty bad for the last five minutes or so, not that it matters.

Goal!!!!!!! Spain 4–1 Russia (Fabregas 90 min)Spain break and although Akinfeev saves the initial shot from Xavi, Fabregas is there to pick up the rebound.

90 min + 2: Here's Paul McLeroy:
A-Level Football Transfers

Written Exam

Using only your fingers and toes calculate how much David Villas price has just gone up and how much less likely it is that he'll be at Spurs next season.

PEEEEEEEEEEEP!!! Impressive stuff from Spain, they ripped apart Russia and moved beautifully as they did so. Villa and Torres were terrifying. Having said that, their defending was sloppy at times, and they started with four goals at the last World Cup too.

from http://www.guardian.co.uk