Spain Reached Euro 2008 Final Beating Russia 3-0 in the Semi Final

Spain has reached the final of Euro 2008 thanks to three second half goals from Xavi Hernández, Dani Güiza and David Silva. By this victory, Spain confirmed their first appearance in a final of European Championship since 1984. Spain will bid for their second European success, first after 44 years, in the final against Germany on 29 June 2008. Spain was excellent throughout the match and created a number of good chances. If Fernando Torres did not miss a handful of chances, Spain could have won the match by 5 or six goals.

In the first half, Spain played well, but could not totally dominate over the Russian side, what they did in the second half. I hardly found any good attack from Russia in the second half except one which Spanish goal keeper Iker Casillas saved magnificently in the closing minutes of the match. In the first half, both Spain and Russia created a number of chances, but the match remained goal less. Spain did not give much room to Andrei Arshavin, Russia’s hero in their triumph over Netherlands. That was very important for Spain and they did it pretty much effectively.

From the very beginning of the second half, Spain started dominating over Russia and in the 50^th minute, from Xavi Hernández brought the lead for Spain. The midfielder found a cross from the left and just tapped it into the net. As I mentioned earlier that Fernando Torres missed a lot of chances in the match. The striker was taken out of the field in the 69^th minute and Dani Guiza came in place of Torres. Guiza took only four minutes to justify the Coach’s decision by doubling Spain’s lead in the 73^rd minute thanks to an excellent goal. Conceding two goals, Russia went for all out attack, which often made their defense too much exposed. Spain confirmed their victory when David Silva scored in the 82^nd minute of the match.

There is no doubt that Spanish fans are now celebrating this historic victory in Vienna in a befitting manner, but the only bad news for them is that striker David Villa picked up a minor injury and was substituted by Cesc Fabregas in the first half. Fabregas appeared with his real form in the second half guiding many attacks of Spain. However, two players: Sergio Ramos and Andres Iniesta- impressed me most throughout the match. Both the players were in excellent form in the match. Iniesta has been man of the match, but Ramos was more impressive with his superb run across the field. I see a future Roberto Carlos in Sergio Ramos who can go up and come down swiftly depending on the situation of the match.

Now, it is a big question if Spain can really stave of the challenge of Germany and take away with their second European title this time around. They are well known as an underachieved team and this is a good chance to come out of that bad patch and justify their worth as a football powerhouse.

Russia vs Spain Preview and Live Score

To get live score of Spain vs Russia Match, follow this link:

Russia vs Spain: Live Score and Updates

If you are interested to get the online live score and updates of Germany vs Turkey first semi final match then visit the following link:

Euro 2008: Germany-Turkey match Live Updates

Russia and Spain are going to take on each other in the second semi final of Euro 2008 tournament on 26 June 2008, Thursday. The match will take place at the Ernst Happel, Vienna in Austria, where the final match of the tournament will also take place. To be honest, after experiencing Russia’s performance in their previous two matches, I think, Spain is perhaps going to face the toughest challenge from Russia in the second semi final, even though Spain demolished Russia 4-1 in their first match of the tournament.

Match: Russia vs Spain, Second Semi Final, Euro 2008

Date: 26 June 2008, Thursday

Venue: Ernst Happel, Vienna in Austria

The way Russia outclassed the tournament favorite Netherlands in the quarter final, Russian fans now have enough ground to hold their hope high ahead of the Spain encounter. Spain, in the same way, has achieved something to cherish so far in the tournament and knocked out reigning world champion Italy in the quarter final. I think, in Euro 2008 Spain has a very good chance to get out of the bad patch of falling short of expectation of the fans in major football tournament. Spain has been playing consistently well so far in the tournament and Spain is the only semi finalist of Euro 2008 who progressed to quarter final as the group winner.

The last time Spain played in the final of a major football tournament was in Euro 1984 and since their appearance in the final of that tournament, this is going to be the first time Spain has reached the semi final in a Euro tournament. Spain’s biggest achievement in football came 44 years back when Jose Villalonga’s Spain won the title of Euro 1964. However, for Russia, this is the first time they progressed to the semi final of a major football tournament. However, success is nothing new to the Russians. In fact, before the break up of the Soviet Union, the former USSR had some notable successes in the 1960’s. USSR won the first tournament of European Championship in 1960. Four years later in 1964, USSR became runner up in European Championship being lost to Spain in the final. They continued their success in the next two tournaments as well reaching the semi final and final of 1968 and 1972 tournaments respectively. USSR also reached the last four of 1962 world cup tournament.

Russia vs Spain: Road to Semi Final

Both the teams faced each other in their tournament opener and Spain emerged winner in style thanks to the hat trick by David Villa. However, ahead of a rematch in the semi final, it is also true that Russia will not leave any stone unturned to win the match this time around in what it would be a revenge of their humiliating defeat in the group stage. After their star striker Andrei Arshavin came back in action against Sweden in the last group stage match, Russia started appearing with their prime form and the presence of Andrei Arshavin has boosted up the confidence of the whole Russian team.

Russia bounced back in the second match to win over defending champion Greece thanks to the solitary goal by Konstantin Zyrianov. Even with that victory, Russia needed to win over Sweden in their final group stage match. Arshavin-inspired Russia pulled off a superb 2-0 victory over Sweden to reach the quarter final of the tournament. In the quarter final, Russia faced mighty Netherlands, who outclassed the world cup champion Italy and world cup runner up France in group stage. Going into the match as an underdog, Russia started off well in the match and from the very beginning started attacked. Two strikers- Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin- appeared as constant threat to the Dutch defense and continued doing that throughout the match. As a result, Russia defeated Netherlands 3-1 in the match. I think, the victory was less important than the way they outplayed seemingly formidable Netherlands in the match.

As I mentioned earlier, Spain started the tournament defeating Russia 4-1 in style. Striker David Villa scored three goals becoming the first hat trick man of the tournament. In the second match, Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 and confirmed their place in the quarter final, leaving Coach Luis Aragones in a state to consider giving rest to some of his regular players for the last group stage match against Greece. However, Spain won 2-1 against Greece after coming back from a goal down in the match and it once again showed the strength of Spain squad because many of their regular players were rest against Greece and many reserve players stepped in the starting line up. So, Spain progressed to the last eight as the winner of Group D.

Spain encountered Italy in the quarter final of Euro 2008 where they defeated the world champions 4-2 in penalty shootout. As the 120-minute football action remained goal less, the match entered into the penalty shootout and Spanish goal keeper Iker Casillas saved two shots to lead Spain to the victory. The goal keeper played excellently well in the match and became the man of the match.

Russia vs Spain: Head to Head and Recent Form

The two teams faced each other on four occasions so far including their group stage meeting. Out of four encounters, Spain emerged winner thrice and the other match ended in draw. So, Russia does not have any victory over Spain since the break up of former Soviet Union. However, it does not mean that Russia will come into the match as an underdog. Russia won all of their last seven matches except the defeat to Russia. It shows the level of confidence Russia holds ahead of the match.

However, Spain looks formidable in terms of their recent form. I think, no other participating team of Euro 2008 has as impressive recent record as Spain has to their credit. Spain is now on 10-match winning streak and the team is now unbeaten for the last 20 matches in all tournaments. So, their recent form is really pretty much impressive and it is clear that the current Spain squad is full of confidence in the back of such an impressive recent performance. However, it may not help Spain against Russia who has nothing to lose in this match; rather has everything to win against Spain team.

Russia Coach Guss Hiddink Hopeful for a Surprising Victory over Spain

Guss Hiddink has nothing to prove as a coach, but has something yet to win on pen paper which he will cherish for the rest of his life. Well, the coach is well-known for bringing successes to whatever the team he managed in his career. The Dutch coach lead South Korea to the semi final of 2002 world cup, and this time it is Russia and the tournament is Euro 2008. Well, the truth is that Guss Hiddink could not yet win any title in any major football tournament with national teams, except the fourth place title of 2002 world cup with South Korea. So, if Russia can defeat Spain to reach the final of the tournament, then at least a runner up trophy will be added to Hiddink’s cap.

Now, ahead of the match, the coach is looking for a surprise win over Spain, even though he admitted the strength of Spain. While talking about Spain’s advantages, the coach said that Spain had a strong league and their players had been together for a long time. However, still Guss Hiddink is hoping for a victory over Spain in the match.

dw-world reported:

Hiddink said that Spain "like to play like we like to play."

"I don't think we are fitter when I see the Spanish team play. It is not just fitness that will determine it," he said.

Spain, moreover, had the advantage of having players that had been together for a longer time, Hiddink said.

"Besides, they are playing in a league which is very strong, whether it is the English or Spanish, plus they play Champions League in between, which gives them a lot of potential," he said.

"Our players don't have that, but I hope I will be surprised."

Andrei Arshavin: New Star of Europe Attracting the Big Clubs

The Russian striker has become the center of attention of the big clubs from Europe like Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona. With his excellent performance in the last two matches, he could attract the clubs and it is possible that the striker could move to England or Spain next season. Currently he is playing for Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg. Chelsea’s Russian owner has recently shown interest on Andrei Arshavin and asked his newly appointed coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to bid for the striker. However, Andrei Arshavin himself has expressed his wish to move to Spain and indicated Barcelona as his favorite place to go. No doubt, it will inspire the striker to continue his impressive form against Spain in the semi final.

Andrei Arshavin vs David Villa

You know that Andrei Arshavin and David Villa are the mains strength of Russian and Spanish attack. So, there could be a competition between the two strikers as well. Though their face to face encounter will be with the opponent defenders, there could be a competition between the two strikers. Villa is currently the highest goal scorer of the tournament with four goals to his credit, while Arshavin has two goals to his cap. So, Arshavin has a good chance to become the highest goal scorer if he could lead his team to the final. There is no doubt, the opponent defense will definitely have the plan to stop the two strikers. In fact, Andrei Arshavin and David Villaake could make the difference in the match.

Russia vs Spain: Online Live Score and Updates

I know that many of you are now eagerly waiting for this seemingly exciting encounter of Euro 2008 and planning to manage your time to enjoy the match on television. However, it is also true that some of your might not be that much fortunate to be able to watch the match live on television due to personal or professional works, or inaccessibility to the channel the match will be shown live. If this is the case, then do not put your head down. You can get the online live score and updates of the match from different online live score websites. Here, I am giving some links of some of the online live score sites from where you can get the online live score and updates of the match:

Live Score
Goalzz
Euro 2008
Goal.com
football-data
Sky Sports
Live Score.cz

I would not like to pick up a favorite team for a match at this stage of such a big tournament, when both the participating teams are at their prime form ahead of the match. Russia vs Spain semi final encounter has exactly what it takes to be a classic match. I would not be surprised if the match wins the ‘match of the tournament’ status at the end of Euro 2008. Now, let us hope to see an entertaining and mind blowing match at Ernst Happel in Vienna.

Germany vs Turkey Preview and Live Score

If you are interested to get the online live score and updates of Germany vs Turkey first semi final match then visit the following link:

Euro 2008: Germany-Turkey match Live Updates

All of the four quarter final matches of Euro 2008 have already been completed with only three matches left in the competition to decide the new champion of Europe. In the first semi final, Germany will face Turkey on 25 June 2008, Wednesday at the St. Jakob-Park, Basel in Switzerland. Germany was pre-tournament favorite and naturally they were expected to come to this stage, but Turkey’s progress to semi final has been quite unexpected. It does not mean that Turkey does not have the ability to come to this stage. In fact, Turkey has received enough respect for their mental toughness and already earned the reputation of a come-back side, following three come-from-back victories in the last three crucial matches.

Match: Germany vs Turkey, First Semi Final, Euro 2008

Date: 25 June 2008, Wednesday

Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel in Switzerland

Germany vs Turkey: Road to Semi Final
Neither Germany nor Turkey could easily progress to the knock out stage, requiring the result of their last group match to go in their way. Germany started the tournament with an easy 2-0 victory over Poland. However, it was against Croatia in the second group match where Germany suffered a heavy blow after losing the match 2-1, which left Germany on the verge of elimination from the group stage. Germany needed a victory against Austria in final group match and a superb free kick goal from Captain Michael Ballack clinched a 1-0 victory for Germany ensuring a quarter final berth. Germany progressed to the quarter final as the runner up of Group B.

Germany faced another tournament favorite Portugal in the quarter final. Given their recent form, Portugal was slightly favorite in the match, but an inspired German team outclassed the Portuguese side and won the match 3-2. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Klose and Ballack scored for Germany, while Nuno Gomes and Postiga scored the two goals for Portugal in the match. Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was elected man of the match after showing an excellent performance before being substituted by Clemens Fritz in the 83^rd minute.

Turkey, similarly, saw a hard competition for securing the second place in group A. Turkey started the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Portugal and was not impressive in the first match. Turkey went in to the second match against co-host Switzerland knowing a defeat would seem them eliminated from the tournament. However, an injury time goal thanks to Arda Turan clinched them a 2-1 victory over Switzerland. Still, Turkey did not have a strong ground to progress to the quarter final ahead of the final group match because Turkish side needed a victory over strong Czech Republic side. However, confident Turkey team overcame Czech challenge setting one of the best come back victories in the history of European Championship. Turkey was trialing 2-0 with 15 minutes left in the match against Czech Republic, and at that time even a die hard fan of Turkey could not dream of a 3-2 victory that was actually materialized thanks to a 75^th minute goal from Arda Turan and two goals from Nihat Kahveci in the 87^th and 89^th minutes of the match, giving a thrilling end to the game. With that inspirational victory Turkey progressed to the last eight as the Group A runner up behind Portugal.

Turkey faced Group A winner Croatia who defeated Germany in the group stage. So, to some analysts, Croatia was a bit ahead of Turkey before the match. Fatih Terim’s boys continued their impressive run picking up a 3-1 penalty shootout victory after the 120 minute action ending in a 1-1 draw. Croatia also experienced the mental toughness of Turkey after conceding an equalizer in the injury time of the second half of extra time, just three minutes after Ivan Klasnic had put Croatia ahead in the match.

Germany vs Turkey: Head to Head and Recent Form
Germany and Turkey faced each other on four occasions so far, with Turkey winning twice and Germany once, other match ending in a goalless draw. So, you can see that Turkey is not less impressive against Germany. Their last meeting came two years back in 2005, when Turkey defeated Germany 2-1. The recent form of both the teams is pretty good. Both Germany and Turkey won five out of their last five matches in all competitions. However, Germany lost only one match against a draw, while Turkey lost two matches.

Well, one thing is for sure that both the teams are in impressive form at this moment given their performance in the quarter final matches in evidence. So, both the teams will go into the match full of confidence and would look to show their best to reach the final of Euro 2008.

German Midfielder Torsten Frings Fit for the Turkey Encounter
It is good news for the German teams that they are getting their experienced midfielder Torsten Frings for the semi final match against Turkey. Frings missed the quarter final victory over Portugal with fractured rib that he had suffered during Germany’s 1-0 victory over Austria in the last group match. However, Frings’s recovery from injury has come as a welcome-worry for German coach Joachim Loew. In the absence of Frings, the German coach changed his formation to 4-5-1 for quarter final match and played Thomas Hitzlsperger and Simon Rolfe in the centre midfield and both the players were excellent in the match. Now, Joachim Loew is in dilemma whether to stick to the winning combination or include Frings in the starting line up. However, the coach is very happy to get all 23 players fit ahead of the semi final match.

Reuters reported:

"I'm fortunate to be able to say that all 23 players trained today and are fit," Loew said at a news conference.

"Torsten trained completely normally, but with a protective bandage. He said he had no major problems. He will have to live with a nagging pain but as things stand he could play, yes."

"Frings is an important player and could return but, you know, we also say you should never change a winning team. I haven't put my mind to the lineup yet," said Loew.

Turkey Missing Key Players due to Injury and Suspension
Turkey has showed impressive performance in their last three matches and naturally, they can be hopeful once again ahead of Germany encounter. However, Turkey is suffering from injury and suspension that forced at least nine players out of their semi final match against Germany, leaving Coach Fatih Terim to pick up 11 players out of only 14 available players for the starting line up. This is definitely a big blow for Turkey. Striker Nihat Kahveci has been left out of the remaining tournament with thigh injury. Emre Gungor has also been out of the tournament with calf injury. Servet Cetin (hip and knee), Tumer Metin (groin) and Emre Belozoglu (hamstring) are doubtful for the semi final match.

I think, Turkey won’t mind with the absence of no. 1 goal keeper Volkan Demirel, who was sent off during Turkey’s 3-2 victory over Czech Republic in the final group match and missed the quarter final match and still has a match left to come out of the suspension, because experienced goal keeper Rustu Recbar who was excellent against Croatia in the quarter final match.

Turkey will also miss Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik who are on suspension after being shown yellow card in two back to back matches. The only good news for Turkey is that defensive midfielder Mehmet Aurelio will be back for the semi final match after spending one-match suspension. Despite the injury and suspension problems, UEFA said that they would not allow Turkey to call up more players as it is out of their rules. So, it seems to be a very tough task for Fatih Terim to cope up with the situation and lead Turkey to continue their superb form against Germany.

Joachim Loew Full of Praise for Turkey
Germany coach Joachim Loew has praised Turkey for their excellent performance so far in the tournament. Indicating the mental strength and self confidence of Turkey, Loew termed Turkey as an uncomfortable opponent. He admitted that Turkey has some technically strong players and can always strike back.

BBC reported:

"After winning two or three games, the euphoria is huge and Turkey are extremely convinced in their ability," he stated.

"They have been an uncomfortable opponent throughout this tournament and have some technically strong players.

"Turks have a remarkable mentality, are self-confident and can always strike back."

Reports also have it that the coach considered resigning following Germany’s 1-2 defeat to Croatia in the group stage. However, he himself turned it down thinking of giving a flair of optimism to the team.

Germany vs Turkey: Online Live Score and Updates
There is no doubt, fans on both sides are eagerly waiting for this match. I think, many of you are already planning to watch the match on television, but some of you might not be that much fortunate to watch the match on television due to inaccessibility to the channel the match is being telecast on or lack of enough time. However, you can get the online live score and updates of the match even when you are on the go from different online live score websites. Here, I am giving some links of online live score websites:

Live Score
Goalzz
Euro 2008
Goal.com
football-data
Sky Sports
Live Score.cz

There are many who think Germany is favorite in the match. Yes, Germany is favorite on pen and paper, but I would not like to put any team ahead of their opponent before the match kicks off, considering the confidence of both sides ahead of the match. Though Turkey is missing some key players for the match, their main strength lies in the team unity, and Germany can not afford to take Turkey lightly. Similarly, Turkey will find it very difficult to break Germany as they did against Croatia and Czech Republic. In fact, both the sides have equal chance in the match. I just hope, players of both the sides will live up to the expectation of their fans showing their best possible performance in the match in what it could be another classic match.

Turkey Missing Key Players out with Injury and Suspension for the Semi Final against Germany

Ahead of the semi final match of 25 July, Turkey is now worried about injuries and suspensions, for which they are missing at least nine members of the squad for the semi final match against Germany. Striker Nihat Kahveci has already been ruled out of their semi final match against Germany with an injured right thigh. The Villarreal striker scored two crucial late goals against Czech Republic helping his side to clinch a spot in the quarter final.

There are few other key players who are also missing the semi final match. Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asık will not be able to participate in the semi final against Germany. However, the players like Hamit Altintop and Kazim-Richards are very much confident ahead of the match, despite the injury and suspension problem. Now, let us see if Turkey can continue their surprise run in the tournament and reach the final of Euro 2008 tournament defeating might Germany in the semi final.

Related article:

Telegraph

Spain Reached Semi Final after Defeating Italy 4-2 on Penalty Shootout

Spain progressed to the semi final of Euro 2008 after a 4-2 penalty shoot out victory over reigning world champion Italy, after the 120-minute action had remained goalless. Both the sides created some good chances throughout the match but the much-awaited goal did not come in the match, until penalty shootout began. Spain played better in the first 90 minutes creating a number of chances. However, Italy got an excellent chance in the 61^st minute, when Spanish goal keeper Casillas excellently blocked a close-range Camoranesi shot at goal. Just after 20 minutes, Casillas’s counterpart Gianluigi Buffon was about to concede a goal. The Italian goal keeper failed to grip a fiery shot by Senn properly and the ball hit the post before coming back to Buffon. The two halves of extra time also finished off goal less requiring the penalty shootout in the match.

Spanish goal keeper Casillas denied Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale in penalty shootout, while David Villa, Santi Cazorla, Marcos Senna and Cesc Fabregas scored for Spain to ensure the victory. The Spanish victory might come as a big relief for Dani Guiza, who missed the only shot for Spain in the penalty shootout. Spain will face Russia in the semi final match on 26 June 2008. Now, Spain is the only semi finalists who progressed to the knock out stage as the group winner. In the other semi final, Germany will face Turkey on 25 June. So, let us see who are going to meet in the final of the tournament.

Related article:

The Canadian Press

Italy vs Spain Preview and Live Score

If you are interested to get the live score and updates of Germany vs Spain Final match of Euro 2008, then visit the following link:

Germany vs Spain: Live Score and Updates

If you are interested to get the online live score and updates of Germany vs Turkey first semi final match then visit the following link:

Euro 2008: Germany-Turkey match Live Updates

If you are interested to get the online live score and updates of Italy vs Spain fourth quarter final match then visit the following link:

Euro 2008: Italy Spain Match Live Updates

Italy and Spain are going to face each other in the last quarter final of Euro 2008 tournament tomorrow (22 June 2008) at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna, Austria. There is no doubt football fans are eagerly waiting for this high profile seemingly classic match in the tournament. Both the sides have the prowess to win the match and being two powers in the football world, both the teams are expected to give their best of form to clinch the victory to reach the semi final of the tournament.

Match: Italy vs Spain, Fourth Quarter Final, Euro 2008

Date: 22 June 2008, Sunday

Venue: Ernst Happel, Vienna in Austria

Italy vs Spain: Road to Quarter Final

The mission of winning a place in the quarter final was not same for Spain and Italy. While Italy had to wait for the last match to ensure a place in the last eight, Spain had the liberty to rest some of its regular members in their last group match against Greece as Spain had confirmed their quarter final spot picking up their second victory in the second group match against Sweden.

Spain started the tournament in style defeating Russia 4-1 in the first match thanks to a superb hat trick from striker David Villa, the current leading goal scorer with four goals in the tournament. However, the 2-1 victory over Sweden in the second match did not come that easily, but with that victory they let Coach Luis Aragones to rest some of the regular players against Greece in the third match, but the decision seemed to be wrong when Spain was trialing by on goal. However, Spain ended up winning the match 2-1 keeping hundred percent winning streak in the group stage. Spain came into the quarter final as the winner of Group D.

If Spain had one of the brightest start in the tournament, then Italy had one of the worst, being thrashed by an excellent Netherlands side in their opening match in the tournament. Italy lost the first match 0-3 to Netherlands. They found their back on the wall after sharing points with Romania in the second match thanks to a 1-1 draw. That draw put Italy’s hope of winning a spot in the quarter final in a complex set of calculations meaning Italy had to win over France and hope the result of the Romania’s clash with Netherlands to come in their way. Fortunately, Italy saw off France 2-0, and Romania lost to Netherlands in the other match making the path clear for Italy to reach the quarter final of the tournament. Italy got into quarter final as the Group C runner up.

Italy vs Spain: Head to Head and Recent Form

Italy and Spain took on each other on 28 occasions so far in which Italy won nine and Spain emerged winner in eight matches with 11 matches being ended in draw. The last time two teams faced each other was in March this year when Spain won thanks to a David Villa goal. Italy has been unbeaten against Spain for 88 years now since they were beaten by Spain 2-0 in 1920 Olympic Games. However, it is also true that Italy could not win over Spain since a Roberto Baggio magic clinched a victory over Spain in 1994 world cup.

If you look at their recent form you will also find a big contrast between Spain and Italy and this time also Spain emerges winner. Spain will go into the match on a 19-match unbeaten streak that makes Spain more formidable. Moreover, Spain also won all of their last nine matches in all tournaments.

Italy, on the other hand, looks ordinary in terms of recent form. The world cup winners won four out of their last seven matches against two defeats and a draw. So, it is pretty much clear that in terms of recent form of the both teams, Spain is far ahead of Italy. However, the point is that when two teams like Spain and Italy face each other previous records and statistics have nothing to do with it.

Fabio Cannavaro Finds the Way to Break Spanish Defense

Italy’s world cup winning Captain Fabio Cannavaro was out of Euro 2008 with torn ligaments, even before the tournament got underway, but he decided to remain with the team. Ahead of the Italy’s quarter final encounter with in-form Spain, Cannavaro has some tips for his team mates to break down Spanish defense, even though Fabio Cannavaro is a defender. To him, Spain sometimes gives more importance to attack, leaving space in the defense. He also adds that the reason behind their world cup triumph is that Italy was united as a team without depending on any single player. So, the captain is indicating his team mates to follow the same thing what they did in the 2006 world cup.

Timesonline reported:

Cannavaro still views Spain's forward prowess as a possible soft spot. “All teams have weaknesses,” he said. “We will have to exploit theirs by taking advantage of the space they sometimes leave when going forward. They are so enthusiastic about attacking that they can leave one-on-one situations in defence. That's something we'll look for.

“We won the World Cup because we were united as a team, not because we had a phenomenon like Diego Maradona. We know that if we are concentrated and together we can beat anyone. Perhaps this is the best time to face Spain because playing against the best is more challenging and you know you have to give 100 per cent.”

Fernando Torres vs Luca Toni

There is no doubt that the two Ts (Torres and Toni) could be lethal for their opposition in the match. However, it is also true that neither Torres nor Toni has been at their best in the tournament so far. Toni missed a lot of chances in the previous three matches, but his presence in the Italian attack is very important because of the magic that could see off Spain from the tournament.

Fernando Torres spent a more-than-excellent debut season with English club Liverpool becoming the highest scorer for his club. Ahead of Euro 2008, he was considered as one of the mains strength of Spain, but once the tournament started, his striking partner David Villa, tournament’s highest scorer so far, started to take away more media attention with his superb goal scoring form that includes the opening match hat trick against Russia. Now, Torres might be gearing up to show his best at this stage of the tournament which is now something every fan of Spain is eagerly anticipating for.

Injury and Suspension

Spain seems to get the full strength team against Italy, as defender Carles Puyol is expected to be fit before the match kicks off. However, Italy will miss two important midfielders: Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo- due to suspension. Defender Andrea Barzagli has been out of the rest of the tournament after suffered an injury in training. It would definitely be problematic for Roberto Donadoni’s men to cope up with the absence of Gattuso and Pirlo in the match.

Italy vs Spain: Online Live Score and Updates

If you can not watch the match on television, you can get the online live score and updates of the match from different online live score websites. Here, I am giving some of the links of some online live score websites:

Live Score
Goalzz
Euro 2008
Goal.com
football-data
Sky Sports
Live Score.cz

Spain may seem to be favorite considering the recent form, but if you go back to history, you would find a striking resemblance between Italy’s major successes in football and their performance in Euro 2008. Italy had bad start in almost all the tournaments they won the title of. So, I think, Italy also has a good chance in the match. Now, if you think that Spain has no chance in the match only because they are Europe’s biggest underachievers, then you could make a serious mistake. The current Spanish side has each and every quality needed to win the title of this competition So, I would like to say that both the teams have equal chances in the match and hope to see an exciting match at the Ernst Happel, Vienna in Italy.

Who do you think is going to win the match?

Turkey Reaches Euro 2008 Semi Final

In a dramatic quarter final match of Euro 2008, Turkey defeated Croatia in penalty shoot out 3-1 after the 120-minute action ended in a 1-1 draw. After dominating throughout the match, Croatia surrendered to ‘Come-back’ side Turkey. Fatih Terim’s side continued their come-back action in this match as well. With this victory, Turkey has gone through to the semi final of Euro 2008 and they will face Germany in the semi final on 25 June 2008 at the St. Jakob-Park, Basel.

From the very beginning of the match, Croatia was superb and created more chances than their opponent. Croatia was more attacking in the match. In the 19^th minute of the match you Croatia hit the cross bar, which can be said to be one of the worst miss in the tournament and there were some other clear chances in the match for Croatia. However, Turkish goal keeper Rustu Recber was excellent and denied a number of clear chances of Croatia, but it is also true that the goal keeper has to take the responsibility of the goal Turkey conceded in the penultimate minute of the extra time. The match was goal less in the first 90 minutes with Croatia creating many chances, while Turkey defended well, and created a few chances throughout the match.

In the 119^th minute, Croatia got the first goal of the match thanks to Ivan Klasnic and with that goal it seemed to be the end of Turkish fable in the tournament. However, more drama was still left in the match as Turkey once again came back magnificently in a crucial match through an injury time goal from substitute Semih Senturk. The goal stunned the already-celebrating Croats and brought them on the ground. You know that in the previous two matches, Turkey came back excellently in the penultimate minutes of the match.

Then in the penalty shoot out Turkey won the match 3-1. Croatia’s Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic missed their shots sending the ball wide the post and Mladen Petric’s shot was successfully blocked by the Turkey goal keeper that ensured their victory. The only goal for Croatia in the penalty shoot out came from Srna. Turkey, on the other hand, got goals from the first three shots thanks to Turan, Sentürk and Altintop. Turkish goal keeper Rustu Recber who was responsible for the Croatia’s goal in the extra time, turned into hero from villain in the end. Croatia was really bad luck that they could not make it to their second semi final in a major football tournament since they reached the semi final of 1998 FIFA World Cup. However, it would not be fair if you do not give the accolade Turkey deserves for their mental strength and the ability to come back at any moment in the match. Even if Turkey can not progress to the final, this Turkey team will be remembered for a long time only because of their excellent come-back abilities that they showed in the last three matches in the tournament.

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AFP