Preview, Spain vs Russia – June 10 2008

If there’s one team you got to watch out for and NEVER underestimate, we are talking about Russia. We all know how South Korea headed to the Semis of a World cup in 2002, under Guus Hiddink. I, for one guy, never expected that from them. They played beyond their capability, if you ask me. Hiddink exploited the home advantage and familiarity of conditions there, to give the super-human confidence to the South Korean team. I will be learning a thing or two from him this time, from what he does with Russia.

Arshavin and co, just back from a UEFA cup triumph, will be more confident than ever. They’ll be looking forward to proving a point in this game. If they can beat Spain, I’ll back them all the way at least to the semis. All the best guys!

Spain, the team tagged as the perennial under performers, would be raring to shrug that reputation off, and Torres will play a very important role, if that be the case. One thing to note here is how Spain literally struggled to beat the United States of America in their last warmup. It took 78 minutes and some lucky charm of Xavi to avoid an embarrassment. While it is 100 percent sure that Hiddink would have pages on how and where the Spaniards went wrong in that game, the Spaniards would and should try and get a lot of things straight. They are going nowhere if that’s how they are going to play. I wish them luck again!

Key Players:

Russia – Arshavin, the keeper and another key is the absence of Pogrebnyak!
Spain – Xavi, Fabregas, torres, Villa

Prediction:
A 2 GD in favour of spain…


THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A PREVIEW :)
Russia did nt have its strikers.. A point to note. I still say the goals were moments of brilliance, and for a team like spain, they made too many mistakes. Russia wasn't good enough to exploit them, but Sweden can. I only hope Spain improves for the next game.