|
Spain to face Germany in Sunday's Euro soccer final
By MATTHEW SCHOFIELD
So, Spain will play Germany on Sunday afternoon. The question, of course,
is can Spain continue to produce the kind of soccer it played today, in
dismantling a very aggressive and athletic Russian team 3-0.
This could be Spain's tournament. There is certainly no lack of talent,
and that was obvious in this semifinal. Still, it wasn't easy. And when
the teams went into the locker room at half tied 0-0, it seemed fair.
Although, in a game that vibrated with urgency from the opening kick,
the lack of goals seemed odd. Spain was fluid and, well, Spanish, while
Russia sucked up the pressure and then poured forward on the counter attack.
It was shot that was keeping the score tied; however, as nothing really
looked as it was going into the net.
Before the 50th minute, when one did, and it was well done: Xavi to Torres
to Iniesta and then back to Xavi for the goal, stepping onto a cross from
eight yards out and stabbing it home.
The second was a work of art, or, more accurately, Cesc Fabregas softly
chipped a ball over the defense onto the chest of Guiza, who settles quickly
and flips it towards the opposite corner with the outside of his foot
with the Russian keeper diving at his feet.
The third, and final, was simple soccer. A cross from the left found Silva,
who two-touched an 18 yard shot inside the near post. Nothing special,
but something definitive.
Which means Sunday should be a classic. Perennial overachievers Germany
against perennial underachievers Spain. Two teams set on the attack, and,
oddly, Germany having looked a little shakier in the back lately.
The Kansas
City Star, Jun. 26, 2008
|
|
