Euro 2008 updates - Spain go through

 

June 08 - Euro 2008 updates - Spain go through

Euro 2008 Update: Italy 0 Spain 0 (Spain win on penalties after extra time)

A game which was highly expected to be a chess game and a real tactical battle in effect played out as a rather mundane game between two sides who in this game lacked any flair or seeming interest in winning the game. The lack of creative play from both sides made on think that both sides were playing from the star, just to get to a penalty shoot out.

It was Italy who ultimately threw the game away with several poorly taken penalties in comparison to some excellently placed Spanish penalty kicks. Spain now face a rejuvenated Russian side, a team who Spain beat 4-1 in the group stages,ut who are unlikely to be such easy competition in the semi finals. The other semi final is Germany v Turkey.

---

Euro 2008 Update: Spain 2 Sweden 1

With a game to go in the group stages of Euro 2008, Spain are already through to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over a well organised Swedish team. It looked in fact as though the game would end in stalemat at 1-1 but a David Villa injury-time goal was enough to secure a handy victory for the Spaniards. With the chance to rest key players now ahead of the 3rd game against Greece, Spain can prepare mentally for a game which will be againts either, Romania, France or Italy.

Group C, the so-called group of death because 3 of the giants in football sit in the group group, (Italy, France and Holland), the grou phas been dominated by Holland who have secured victories against Italy (3-0) and France (4-1). Spain will surely be happy to avoid the very impressive Holland in the quarter finals.

---

Euro 2008 Update: Spain 4 Russia 1

Spain started off their Euro 2008 finals challenge with an impressive 4-1 route of Russia and with a wonderful David Villa hat-trick. In a group which also includes Sweden and Greece this result and with a good goal difference, already will leave Spain confident of a quarter finals place.

The game itself was one of the better games that has taken place in the tournament to date and this win extended Spain's number of games unbeaten to seventeen. The game itself was pretty much over by half time with David Villa scoring in the 20th and 45th minutes and with Spain creating several more chances. Russia also had their opportunities in the first half, but the quality of the Spanish team, which includes the likes of Torres, Iniesta, Puyol and Xavi, was clear.

The second half was a copy of the first half with another 2 goals for Spain, this time with a 75th (Villa) and a 90th minute goal (Fábregas), although the Russians did manage what in effect was a consolation goal in the 86th minute. Spain now play Sweden on Saturday and victory will guarantee them a place in the last 8.

---

June 1st 2008: Barcelona Team News Update

Already, with the season only having finished a few weeks ago, there have already been a lot of changes within FC Barcelona and signs are that the team next season will certainly look quite a bit different. Hot on the heals of the appointment of Pep Guardiola as the manager, Barcelona have now signed Seydou Keita (from Sevilla) and Gerard Pique (from Man. Utd).

Edmilson has gone the other way, leaving Barcelona for Villarreal and other departees could well include Ronaldinho and Eto'o. Watch this space for the latest signings and departures from FC Barcelona. We will also keep you posted on Spain's progress in the UEFA 2008 Tournament.

Back to Barcelona Match Report archive or read the Latest Barcelona Match reports