Yuh can't play football without the ball. Spain wear down Russia, by making them chase the ball.
Ramos, Senna, Silva and Fabragas look a step above. Spain had more players playing at their best
than Russia. Well done Spain. Now prepare to be roughed up, cause Germany eh go let allyuh dominate
with rhythm.
Midfield control the key to Spain victory, says AragonesThu Jun 26, 2008 11:41pm BST
By Simon Baskett
VIENNA (Reuters) -
The key to Spain's classy 3-0 semi-final win over Russia at Euro 2008 was controlling the midfield after Cesc Fabregas came on for injured striker David Villa, coach Luis Aragones said on Thursday."When both (Fernando) Torres and Villa were on we had a little problem in dominating the midfield," Aragones told a news conference.
"But when Cesc came on we got control.
"We seem to be playing better with one striker than two, because we have more control and are able to exert more pressure in midfield."
Fabregas added new zest to the midfield when he arrived late in the first half and Spain took the lead early in the second when Xavi steered an Andres Iniesta cross into the net.
Spain took complete control thereafter with Fabregas setting up their second for substitute Daniel Guiza with a clever chip over the Russian defence and then providing the killer pass for fellow midfielder David Silva to wrap up with the third.
"We started the game playing the sort of football that suited Russia, playing too many long balls up front," Aragones said.
"But once we started controlling possession, then I think it was our most complete game of the tournament and to do that in a semi-final is very difficult."
Aragones praised his team's achievement in reaching their first final for 24 years.
"The team has played for some time with this winning mentality," he said. "They learned a lot from the last World Cup. They know that it isn't just a question of playing well but also of learning how to compete.
"Cesc and others in the team have the experience of 28-year-olds even though they are only 21 or 22. This team could also have a sensational World Cup."
Aragones said that although he was happy to celebrate Thursday's victory, his attentions had already turned to Sunday's final against Germany.
"I'm very happy even though I might not show it. I'm particularly delighted for the group because they have done everything to deserve to be champions, but we've still got one step more left.
"Germany are Germany and they seem to win against whoever they play...Let's see if they let us play, but it is very difficult for any team against us, especially when we add pace to our game.
"Physically Germany are stronger, but we play at such a pace that other sides end up getting more tired than us."
(Editing by Trevor Huggins)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKL2659158120080626?rpc=401&