What made the difference for Spain?
Friday, June 27, 2008
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Talking point: Spain are through to a major final for the first time since 1984 thanks to a blistering second-half showing, but where was the last-four tie won?
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Spain are into the UEFA European Championship final for the first time since 1984 after overcoming the challenge of Russia in rainy Vienna. Andrés Iniesta created the opening goal for his FC Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernández five minutes into the second period at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion before substitute Daniel Güiza and David Silva added further goals in the final 17 minutes – but what do you think was the crucial factor?
Villa injury
How did Spain cope after the enforced withdrawal of David Villa – scorer of a hat-trick in the Group D game between the sides – just before half-time? Did Luis Aragonés' side hold a psychological advantage because of that first win a fortnight ago? Did Russia simply run out of steam, simply relying too much on the individual brilliance of Andrei Arshavin? Or did Guus Hiddink's semi-final jinx – three last-four ties with three different countries and now three defeats – strike again? Tell us what you think below.