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Spain and Russia prepare for Euro 2008 semi

26/06/2008

The Austrian capital Vienna is preparing for a massive influx of Spanish and Russian fans ahead of this evening's second Euro 2008 semi-final.

The two sides, managed by Luis Aragones and Guus Hiddink respectively, will face-off for the right to play Germany in Sunday's final in the second meeting between the teams at the tournament.

First time out, Spain cantered to a 4-1 victory as striker David Villa took the plaudits courtesy of a hat-trick.

However, many pundits are predicting a closer encounter this time around with Russia looking a different side since welcoming back star playmaker Andrei Arshavin to their starting lineup.

The Zenit St Petersburg forward missed the opening two games of the tournament through suspension.

Spain made their way into the semi-final after bringing an end to their recent penalty shootout hoodoo, which had seen them lose three consecutive spot-kick competitions on June 22nd in major championships in 1986, 1996 and 2002.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas slotted the final kick past Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to knock out the 2006 World Cup winners after a dire 120 minutes of football had ended goalless.

Russia, on the other hand, contested a thrilling quarter-final against the Netherlands - with Hiddink knocking out the country of his berth 3-1 after extra time thanks to goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko, Dmitri Torbinski and Arshavin.

Last night's first semi-final was an enthralling encounter, won 3-2 by Germany thanks to a last-minute winner from Phillipp Lahm.