Semi-Final Euro 2008

[SteveH]

Fabregas reveals Russia concerns
 
UEFA EURO 2008 SEMI-FINAL: Russia v Spain

Date: Thu 26 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

Coverage: Live TV coverage TBC; full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and mobiles with Jonathan Stevenson


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Fabregas is pressing for a starting place in the Spanish side

Spain's Cesc Fabregas has warned his team-mates not to expect a repeat of their 4-1 thrashing of Russia when they meet in the Euro 2008 semi-finals.

Spain beat Russia in their opening game and they meet on Thursday in Vienna.

But Fabregas, who scored the winning shoot-out penalty against Italy on Sunday, said: "If we think it will be the same, we will be very mistaken."

Luis Aragones, meanwhile, says he still plans to quit as coach after Euro 2008 despite Spain's impressive form so far.

The 69-year-old said: "I would like to thank everyone for the compliments they have paid us.

"But the Federation and all of you know that my time as coach will come to an end whatever happens at this tournament."
 
Spain came through a difficult contest with the Italians in Vienna on Sunday, being held to a 0-0 draw after extra time and eventually coming through 4-2 on penalties after two brilliant saves from goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Fabregas came off the bench in the second half and the Arsenal star says he does not care how big a part he plays as long as Spain continue to be successful.

He added: "I just want to help the team and if that means coming on in the last half hour that is fine. I don't want the glory just for myself, I want it for Spain.

"The boss came on to the pitch after extra time and gave the names out.

"I've always felt that he has faith in me, and he showed that by naming me number five which is normally the crucial penalty.

"It has been difficult for some people to have confidence in me when I play for Spain, but I know that life sometimes give you the chance to prove yourself.

"However, we need to keep our feet on the ground if we are to win this tournament."

 

[SteveH]

Germany v Turkey

UEFA EURO 2008 SEMI-FINAL

Date: Wed 25 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: St Jakob-Park, Basel

Coverage: Live on BBC ONE and BBC Sport website (UK only), full commentary on BBC

 Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and mobiles with Caroline Cheese


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Captain Ballack and coach Low will not underestimate Turkey
Germany captain Michael Ballack believes semi-final opponents Turkey will provide a stiff test on Wednesday because they have a "German mentality".

Joachim Low's side are odds-on to beat Fatih Terim's Turkey, who have been decimated by injuries and suspensions.

"Turkey have a very German mentality," the 31-year-old Chelsea midfielder told Die Welt newspaper.

"They will be a difficult adversary who have nothing to lose because reaching the semis is already an achievement."

He added: "They have shown a strong belief and they've scored goals in the closing stages of their matches - it's is something that only Germany does normally."

 Turks have a remarkable mentality, are self-confident and can always strike back

Germany coach Joachim Low
Coach Low agreed with Ballack's sentiments.

"After winning two or three games, the euphoria is huge and Turkey are extremely convinced in their ability," he stated.

"They have been an uncomfortable opponent throughout this tournament and have some technically strong players.

"Turks have a remarkable mentality, are self-confident and can always strike back."

Meanwhile, Low admitted he thought about quitting after his side's 2-1 defeat by Croatia in their second group game at Euro 2008.

Germany have since rallied to beat Austria and shrugged aside Portugal in the last eight.

However, Low told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper: "Obviously I had these thoughts (of resigning) but I tried to turn them into positives and not get me down. I try to give the team an air of optimism."

Germany would have gone out of the tournament had they lost to Austria and an early exit would have put Low's position under threat.

"We would have had to sit down and consider how the atmosphere was and if it was worth continuing," he added.

"I cannot say what would have happened. Maybe a lot would have collapsed around us."

Captain Ballack has also hit out at Bayern Munich for unsettling Germany striker Mario Gomez, after they began talks with Stuttgart over the 22-year-old last week.

"I certainly find it odd negotiations are taking place during the European Championship," admitted Ballack. "That is not good for the player and disturbs concentration.

"I have always had the view that I have done something before or after a tournament, so that you don't have to be busy with it during the tournament."

[SteveH]

Semi-final 1: Germany v TurkeyBasel, 25 June 2008
 
UEFA EURO 2008 SEMI-FINAL

Date: Wed 25 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: St Jakob-Park, Basel

Coverage: Live on BBC ONE and BBC Sport website (UK only), full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and mobiles with Caroline Cheese


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Turkey coach Fatih Terim has been hit by injuries and suspension
Germany coach Joachim Low said Torsten Frings could play against Turkey despite suffering from a fractured rib.

The midfielder was back in training on Monday having missed the quarter-final win over Portugal.

Turkey face the prospect of having just 13 outfield players available for their Euro 2008 semi-clash.

Coach Fatih Terim is waiting to hear whether keeper Volkan Demirel will have his suspension overturned, while Emre has a 50-50 chance of returning.

Coach Terim said he may have to field third-choice keeper Tolgan Zengin during Wednesday's encounter.

"He could come on towards the end as a sub as last man in defence or a centre forward," he said.

The Turks were without six players when they beat Croatia 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals Friday, and lost a further three - Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik - to suspension after picking up yellow cards during the match at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.

Striker Nihat Kahveci was ruled out of the tournament on Sunday with a thigh injury, but Uefa insists it will not be making a special dispensation for Turkey to call up more players to their squad.

Defensive midfielder Mehmet Aurelio returns from a one-match ban, but goalkeeper Volkan Demirel still has one game left on his suspension after being sent off against the Czech Republic - although Turkey have launched an appeal.

Uefa spokesman William Gaillard said: "You can't replace any players after the first game of the tournament has been played.

"We know some teams are facing difficulties, but this is a hard rule of the tournament. We have no intention of changing the tournament rules.

"If a team only had eight players to choose from before a match, then we might call an emergency meeting. But we have had no requests and we would find it a bit difficult changing now."


BIG MATCH STATS
Head-to-heads

Germany and Turkey have played each other on 17 occasions with Germany winning 11 and losing three.

Turkey are unbeaten in three successive meetings with Germany, recording two wins and one draw.

Germany's last win over the Turks dates back to May 1992, when they won 1-0 in a friendly encounter.

Their only previous meetings at a major tournament came at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, when West Germany won 4-1 and 7-2.

Their last meeting in all competitions was a friendly in October 2005, in which Turkey prevailed 2-1 in Istanbul, through goals by Halil Altintop and Nuri Sahin. Oliver Neuville scored the German goal in injury time.

Team facts - Germany

Played five previous European Championship semi-final matches, progressing on four occasions.

Their sole semi-final defeat came in 1988, when West Germany were knocked out by eventual winners the Netherlands (2-1).

Both Germany and Turkey finished second in their group at Euro 2008. The last two European champions (Greece in 2004 and France in 2000) also finished second in their group.

Team facts - Turkey

This is Turkey's first European Championship semi-final. Their only previous appearance in the last four of a major tournament came at the 2002 World Cup when they were defeated 1-0 by Brazil.

Been in the lead for only nine minutes in their four matches played at Euro 2008. Including injury time, Turkey were in the lead for 2.5 minutes against Switzerland and 6.5 minutes against the Czech Republic.

Most comebacks in a single European Championship finals

Trailed in all four matches at Euro 2008 and yet still managed two wins and a draw. These three comebacks, against Switzerland, Czech Republic and Croatia, equal the record number of comebacks in a single European Championship finals, made by Czech Republic in 2004.
 

[SteveH]

Italy part company with Donadoni 
 
Donadoni's team were knocked of Euro 2008 by Spain
Italy have parted company with coach Roberto Donadoni following their exit from Euro 2008, BBC Sport understands.

The Italian Soccer Federation has yet to officially confirm that Donadoni has left the post.

Speculation about his future has been mounting since Italy's quarter-final defeat by Spain on penalties on Sunday.

Donadoni, who took over in 2006, signed a two-year extension before the tournament but that contained a 10-day get-out clause on both sides.

Donadoni said on Sunday: "Resign? The thought would never even entered my brain.

"I don't have a reason. We only lost a game on penalties. You can't say things work when you win but don't work when you lose on penalties. We will talk and decide. It doesn't make any sense to talk about whether I deserve to carry on."

Italian football federation president, Giancarlo Abete, gave no clues as to whether his coach would be retained when asked after the defeat on Sunday.

"Over the next few days we will reflect and make a decision about this," he said.

"It doesn't make any sense to make a decision in the heat of the moment."

He added: "In the next few days we will discuss what will happen. We'll retrace our steps."

Former Italy World Cup winning coach Marcelo Lippi is reported to be favourite to take over from Donadoni.
 

[SteveH]

Germany 3-2 Turkey,
Germany v Turkey as it happened
Basel, 25 June 2008

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2008/7363524.stm

Lahm's last-minute goal

Philipp Lahm's last-minute winner sent Germany into the Euro 2008 final and sank a desperately unlucky Turkey.

Lahm stole in on Thomas Hitzlsperger's pass to beat Rustu Recber and give the Germans victory after a thriller in which Turkey were the better side.

Ugur Boral scrambled Turkey ahead after 22 minutes, but Bastian Schweinsteiger equalised quickly from close range.

Miroslav Klose headed Germany in front after 79 minutes, but Semih Senturk levelled before Lahm's late strike.

Germany barely deserved the victory, but once again they have reached a major final despite being unconvincing, where they will face either Russia or Spain in Vienna on Sunday.

Ravaged by injuries and suspension, Turkey defied all expectations to produce an outstanding performance full of grit, desire and no little quality and they should have been well in front by half-time.

Former Sheffield United forward Colin Kazim-Richards held his head in anguish in the 12th minute when he rattled the bar with a powerful shot that left German keeper Jens Lehmann well beaten.

He was denied by the woodwork again with a looping finish 10 minutes later - but this time Ugur was lurking to scramble in the rebound through the legs of the despairing Lehmann.

Stunned by the speed of Turkey's opening, Germany responded to equalise after 27 minutes.

Lukas Podolski was the creator with a run and cross from the left flank, but it needed a sweet finish with the outside of Schweinsteiger's right foot to beat Rustu.

Lehmann was having a nightmare and he had to scramble back hurriedly after misjudging Hamit Altintop's free-kick to turn the ball over the bar.


'Good mentality' gets us to finals - Ballack
It was a superb spectacle, and Podolski escaped the attentions of the Turkish defence only to shoot over the top with Klose waiting unmarked in front of goal.
Lehmann was then forced to punch Ugur's powerful free-kick away after 39 minutes as Turkey continued to show the greater ambition.

Germany coach Joachim Low made a change at the interval, replacing Simon Rolfes, who had suffered a head wound in a clash with Ayhan Akman, with Torsten Frings.

The Germans were furious after 50 minutes when Lahm was clearly felled by Sabri Sarioglu, only to see Swiss referee Massimo Busacca ignore their appeals.

But Turkey, under the inspirational leadership of coach Fatih Terim, were continuing to set the pace and Ugur tested Lehmann once more with a shot at the end of a fine run.

Hitzlsperger showed the shooting power that marked his time at Aston Villa with 18 minutes left, shooting just wide from 30 yards with Rustu beaten.

But it was a calamitous error by the veteran Rustu that gifted Germany the lead with 11 minutes left, when he came for Lahm's cross but got nowhere near it, leaving Klose to head Germany in front.

If this tournament has told us one thing, it is that Turkey's refusal to accept defeat means they are at their most dangerous when behind and so it proved again as they drew level again with four minutes left.

Sabri rounded Lahm superbly on the flank, and the poacher Semih stole in to beat Lehmann at the near post.

Turkey looked to have taken the game into extra time, which was the very least they deserved, but their campaign ended in heartbreak in the closing moments.

Lahm raided forward and exchanged passes with Hitzlsperger before firing high past Rustu.

Germany celebrated the victory, but so much credit must go to Turkey for a magnificent effort that deserved so much more.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm, Hitzlsperger, Rolfes (Frings 46), Schweinsteiger, Ballack, Podolski, Klose (Jansen 90).
Subs Not Used: Enke, Adler, Fritz, Westermann, Gomez, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor, Kuranyi.

Goals: Schweinsteiger 27, Klose 79, Lahm 90.

Turkey: Rustu, Sarioglu, Topal, Zan, Balta, Aurelio, Kazim-Richards (Metin 90), Altintop, Akman (Erdinc 81), Boral (Karadeniz 84), Senturk.
Subs Not Used: Zengin, Cetin, Emre, Gungor, Nihat.

Booked: Senturk.

Goals: Boral 22, Senturk 86.

Att: 40,000
 

[SteveH]

Semi-final 2: Russia v Spain.
Vienna, 26 June 2008
 
UEFA EURO 2008 SEMI-FINAL

Date: Thu 26 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

Coverage: Highlights on BBC ONE and BBC Sport website (UK only); full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and mobiles with Jonathan Stevenson; live on ITV
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Russia have slight injury worries over the trio of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Ivan Saenko and Alexander Anyukov, but all should be fit to play.

Bilyaletdinov and Anyukov were restricted to light running at training, while Saenko did not complete the full session.

Defender Denis Kolodin and attacking midfielder Dmitry Torbinski are both missing through suspension.

Spain's Cesc Fabregas is vying with Xavi for the role of playmaker.

Arsenal star Fabregas impressed off the bench against Italy in their quarter-final and scored the decisive penalty in the shootout.

Spain look to have a full squad to choose from and are favourites to progress, having beaten Russia 4-1 in their group meeting.

But Russia have improved markedly since then, with Andrei Arshavin returning from suspension to pull the strings.

But they will miss key defender Kolodin and attacking midfielder Torbinski, who scored their second goal against the Dutch.

Vasily Berezutsky is favourite to start in central defence alongside CSKA Moscow team-mate Sergei Ignashevich.

The other option is Roman Shirokov, who has not played since the first game against Spain.


BIG MATCH STATS
Head-to-heads

Spain and Russia (including Soviet Union) have met each other on nine previous occasions with Spain winning five times and Russia only once. The sole defeat for Spain came in a European Championship qualifier in 1971 with the Soviets winning 2-1.

Head to head records and significant meetings

Spain have won all three previous encounters at the European Championship, 2-1 in 1964, 1-0 in 2004 and 4-1 at Euro 2008.

This is the ninth time that two countries have met in the group phase and the knock-out stages of a European Championship or World Cup.

The only countries to win the knock-out encounter after first losing in the group phase are West Germany against Hungary at the 1954 World Cup and the Netherlands against the Soviet Union at Euro 1988.

Nations meeting in group and KO phases of major finals

Team facts - Russia

Russia's Euro 2008 squad has won a total of 503 caps, fewer than any other country that was present at Euro 2008.

The average age of the Russian squad is also the youngest in this tournament. Their average age is 26 years and 99 days on the day of the semi-final.

However, head coach Guus Hiddink is vastly experienced in major tournaments. Euro 2008 is his fifth European Championship or World Cup. So far Hiddink has recorded 11 wins, equalling Dutch record holder Rinus Michels. Only Berti Vogts (12), Mario Zagallo (13), Luiz Felipe Scolari (16) and Helmut Schon (19) have won more matches in European Championships and World Cups combined.

Russia and Turkey became only the fifth and sixth countries to qualify for the European Championship semi-finals despite losing their first match in the group.

Team facts - Spain

Qualified for a European Championship semi-final for the third time. Spain went on to reach the final on the two previous occasions, in 1964 and 1984.

Unbeaten in 20 matches (17 wins and three draws) since losing to Romania (0-1) in November 2006. The Spanish record is 31 and was set between September 1994 and November 1997.

The second longest unbeaten streak was also set during the reign of coach Luis Aragones. Between August 2004 and June 2006, Spain remained unbeaten in 25 matches in a row.

Aragones is the oldest coach to lead a team to the semi-finals in a European Championship. He is 69 years and 334 days old on Thursday. The previous record holder was Otto Rehhagel, who was 65 years and 327 days old when Greece played in the last four of Euro 2004.
 

[SteveH]

Russia 0-3 Spain.
Spain-Russia as it happened
Vienna, 26 June 2008

 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2008/7363541.stm

Highlights: Russia 0-3 Spain

Spain produced a superb display to cruise past Russia and set up a Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas was the driving force behind the win after coming on as substitute for injured David Villa.

Xavi turned home Andres Iniesta's cross after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza converted a superb pass from Fabregas with 17 minutes left.

Fabregas played in David Silva for a simple third after 82 minutes as a disappointing Russia ended well beaten.

The only cloud on Spain's horizon was the first-half injury to Villa, who will now miss the final clash with Germany in Vienna.

Russia never threatened to produce the attacking firepower that saw them dump out Holland in the last eight, and playmaker Andrei Arshavin was an anonymous figure throughout.

Arshavin entered the game with a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders, as well as transfer interest from Barcelona, but failed to deliver.

Spain were outstanding as they inflicted another heavy defeat on Guus Hiddink's side, as they had done in the group stages and were rarely under pressure.

Veteran coach Luis Aragones now looks to have put together a side capable of ending the years of under-achievement, even making light of that injury to the influential Villa.

Spain made a positive start, with the partnership of Villa and Torres demonstrating their threat early on.

Villa slipped in Torres for a shot that was saved by Igor Akinfeev, then forced the Russia keeper into a smart save down at his post with a long-range drive.


Guiza's glorious goal
Russia's only early effort was a free-kick from Roman Pavlyuchenko that was off target as Spain dominated territory and possession.
Villa fired in another free-kick that was saved by Akinfeev after 28 minutes, but appeared to injure himself and limped off shortly afterwards, to be replaced by Fabregas.

It was a pivotal moment, with Fabregas more than compensating for the departure of Villa by delivered a midfield master-class.

Spain took a fully-deserved lead after 50 minutes when Xavi arrived to perfection to slide home Iniesta's driven cross.

Fabregas was pulling the strings, first setting up Torres for a shot that the Liverpool striker curled off target.

Torres then slid another glorious chance wide after a fine run and cross from Sergio Ramos in what was his final contribution of a tireless performance.

He was replaced by Guiza, with Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso coming on for goalscorer Xavi.

And Guiza showed his prowess as a finisher when he scored Spain's second after 73 minutes, lifting Fabregas's superb pass over Akinfeev.

Fabregas was running the game, and he produced another piece of superb creation to set up Silva for a precise finish with eight minutes left.

Spain keeper Iker Casillas was finally forced into action with three minutes remaining, saving superbly from Dmitry Sychev's header.

But it was a minor interruption to Spain's path into the final, and Akinfeev had to save well from Guiza as they threatened to make their victory margin more convincing.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov (Bilyaletdinov 56), Saenko (Sychev 57), Pavluchenko, Arshavin.
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Ivanov, Shirokov, Bystrov.

Booked: Zhirkov, Bilyaletdinov.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta, Xavi (Alonso 69), Senna, Silva, Villa (Fabregas 34), Torres (Guiza 69).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Santi Cazorla, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.

Goals: Xavi 50, Guiza 73, Silva 82.

Att: 50,000
 

[SteveH]

THE FINAL

Germany v SpainVienna, 29 June 2008
 
UEFA EURO 2008 FINAL

Date: Sun 29 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

Coverage: Live on BBC ONE and BBC Sport website (UK only), full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and on mobiles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Strikers Podolski and Torres will go head-to-head in Vienna
Euro 2008 reaches its climax on Sunday when Spain face Germany in the final at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna.

Spain last won the title in 1964 but are bookmakers' favourites to beat the three-time champions who may be without inspirational leader Michael Ballack.

The Germany captain, 31, has been having treatment on a calf injury that ruled him out of training on Saturday.

Spain will be without the tournament's top scorer David Villa, who picked up a thigh injury against Russia.

That could mean a start for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Fernando Torres the lone striker.

However, coach Luis Aragones has not ruled out playing Daniel Guiza alongside the Liverpool marksman up front.

"We might have less attacking punch, but we will have more control in the midfield," said Aragones, referring to the option of using Fabregas. "I haven't decided anything yet though and I might still opt to play two strikers."

Chelsea midfielder Ballack suffered the injury in training on Friday and will be desperate to play, having missed out on the 2002 World Cup final because of suspension.

"On Friday he had problems with his right calf, the muscle has hardened and he couldn't possibly participate in the training, so we will have to wait and see how things develop," said Germany coach Joachim Low.

"Our medical people are working round the clock, but we have to think seriously about what's going to happen if Michael Ballack cannot play.

"There are two possibilities, Tim Borowski or Bastian Schweinsteiger, both of them can take his position, but we will decide that on Sunday."

 There is a greater sense of responsibility and more nerves for this one and we have 46 million people behind us

Iker Casillas
Spain goalkeeper

The Spanish are full of confidence ahead of the final, having turned themselves from 'perennial underachievers' to - during the course of the tournament - many people's tip to win the final.

Spain may not have won a major honour in 48 years but Torres believes the side are equipped to go all the way this year.

"This team is already making history but we can do even more," he stated.

"Germany know how to win tournaments, they know how to play these games and we know we have be careful because they are the favourites. But we can win it too."

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas hinted he was more nervous about this game than the Champions League finals he had played in with his club side Real Madrid.

"In my opinion, it is very different," said Casillas. "Getting to the final of the Champions League is nothing like this.

"Real are fortunate in that they are used to getting to finals, but this tournament is only every four years.

"There is a greater sense of responsibility and more nerves for this one and we have 46 million people behind us."

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has played down suggestions that his side are some critics' favourites and commented: "We have demonstrated what capabilities we possess but we should put Spain one step above us.

"That said, this was the case against Portugal (in the quarter-final) as well and it doesn't have to be to our disadvantage."

And the former striker, whose 'golden goal' against the Czech Republic gave Germany the European title in 1996, hinted Low's side would set out to be hard to break down rather than be expansive in attack.

"Spain control the ball very well and they provide decisive passes," he added. "We will have to play very tightly, double-team a lot and keep the marking close."

That philosophy was supported by Frings, who said: "We shouldn't let them into the game. We have to be aggressive, we have to step up even as they are receiving the ball.

"I don't think they like it when you are aggressive against them."


BIG MATCH STATS
Head-to-heads

Germany and Spain have met each other 19 times and Germany have won eight of these contests, while Spain proved the strongest on five occasions.

At the World Cup and European Championship, the two teams have played each other five times, with Germany winning three times and Spain having the upper hand only once.

Spain's only victory in the Europeans was a 1-0 group phase triumph in 1984. Antonio Maceda's legendary injury time header eliminated West Germany, marking the only time until 2000 that (West) Germany were stranded in the group phase of a European Championship finals.

The last time these two met was a friendly in February 2003, which Spain won 3-1.
 

[SteveH]

1840: TEAMS
Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Schweinsteiger, Frings, Klose, Ballack, Hitzlsperger, Lahm, Mertesacker, Podolski, Metzelder.
Spain: Casillas, Marchena, Puyol, Iniesta, Xavi, Torres, Fabregas, Capdevila, Sergio Ramos, Senna, Silva.

1838: MICHAEL BALLACK STARTS
Sorry for the sudden attack of bold caps but it's the news you were waiting for wasn't it? Full teams to follow.

1837: The Spanish players are out on the pitch at the moment, soaking up the atmosphere - well as much atmosphere as you can soak up with iPod headphones stuck in your ears. I can't blame them though. That criminal mix of Robbie Williams' Angels and Queen's We Will Rock You is playing over the PA system.

[SteveH]

20 Minutes Played 1-2 Equal chances to Both sides.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Torres hits the Post on 22 Minutes and the German Keeper was Beat,Still 0-0.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Spain Lead 1-0 after 33 Minutes,Torres-Good Speed and Skills to Lob the ball over the Keeper Sliding In.

2018: GOAL Germany 0-1 Spain
It's a half-chance, if that. From Cesc Fabregas's pass, Fernando Torres outpaces Philipp Lahm and dinks the ball over the advancing Jens Lehmann. Pretty poor defending from Germany, but Torres shows a real striker's instinct.
-------------------------------------------------------------
2022: Spain are running riot now. Andres Iniesta clips a delicious pass for David Silva, but his volley is ruddy awful. Sliced laughably. Just when Germany don't need to be down to 10 men, Michael Ballack is injured in an aerial challenge with Marcos Senna. He is off the pitch, receiving treatment to a cut above his eye.

Ballack has to go Off the pitch again as Blood continues to Run down his face and he Requires More treatment.
--------------------------------------------------------------
2029: Carles Puyol and Michael Ballack get involved in a bit of unnecessary. The referee is apparently bored of all this nonsense and Books Ballack and opposing captain Iker Casillas.


Half-Time Spain Lead 1-0

[SteveH]

65 Minutes Played,Still Spain lead 1-0.

2109: Now David Silva is off, to be replaced by Santi Cazorla as Spain look to regain control.

2107: Ugly scenes. Lukas Podolski runs over to David Silva and the pair lock heads. Michael Ballack runs about 40 yards to get involved. The ref gives Germany the free-kick and tells everyone to calm down.

2106: Cesc Fabregas's Euro 2008 final is over. He is replaced by Xabi Alonso.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 Minutes Left,the Stats say it All.
Live: Germany 0-1 Spain
Watch live: BBC coverage (UK only)

Live commentary: BBC Radio 5 Live (UK only)
Vienna, 29 June 2008   Live stats
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sun Jun 29 2008
European Championships
Germany
 0-1
(0-1) Spain
Torres 33

 L
 
Bookings:

Ballack 43
   
Bookings:

Casillas 43
Torres 74
 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GERMANY     SPAIN

Possession
44%             56%

Shots on target
3                   8

Shots off target
1                   5

Corners
4                   5

Fouls
15                 19


  Germany
01 Lehmann
03 Friedrich
21 Metzelder
17 Mertesacker
16 Lahm (46 Jansen )
15 Hitzlsperger (58 Kuranyi )
08 Frings
20 Podolski
13 Ballack 
07 Schweinsteiger
11 Klose
Substitutes
12 Enke, 23 Adler, 02 Jansen, 04 Fritz, 05 Westermann, 06 Rolfes, 09 Gomez, 10 Neuville, 14 Trochowski, 18 Borowski, 19 Odonkor, 22 Kuranyi
Spain
01 Casillas 
15 Sergio Ramos
05 Puyol
04 Marchena
11 Capdevila
19 Senna
06 Iniesta
10 Fabregas (63 Alonso )
08 Xavi
21 Silva (66 Santi Cazorla )
09 Torres 
Substitutes
13 Palop, 23 Reina, 02 Albiol, 03 Fernando Navarro, 07 Villa, 12 Santi Cazorla, 14 Alonso, 16 Sergio Garcia, 17 Guiza, 18 Arbeloa, 20 Juanito, 22 De la Red
Ref: Roberto Rosetti
Att: 51428
 

 

[SteveH]

Full - Time
A Deserved Win for Spain 1-0
Many have been Waiting 40 Years for this Win!!
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun Jun 29 2008
European Championships
Germany
 0-1
(0-1) Spain
Torres 33

 FT
 
Bookings:

Ballack 43
Kuranyi 88
   
Bookings:

Casillas 43
Torres 74
 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GERMANY        SPAIN

Possession
53%                 47%

Shots on target
3                        9

Shots off target
1                        6

Corners
4                        7

Fouls
20                      19

[Tags:]

Jump to: Please select a destination: ----------------------------- Community ----------------------------- => Introductions ----------------------------- Expatriate Life ----------------------------- => Q&A => Health and Medical => Events and Meetings => I recommend => Handy Things to Know => Languages ----------------------------- Business ----------------------------- => ESL Discussion Group => Incorporation => Banking and Finances => Opportunities => Private Entrepreneurship => Information exchange ----------------------------- Current Events ----------------------------- => Democracy and Beyond => Ukrainian News => International News ----------------------------- Meet compatriots ----------------------------- => Polish Forum ----------------------------- Going Out ----------------------------- => Shopping => Weekend Breaks => Theatre&Movie => Eating&Drinking => Sport ----------------------------- Expatriate Jobs ----------------------------- => Jobs Available => Jobs Wanted ----------------------------- Expatriate Cafe ----------------------------- => Hobbies => History Today => Book club => Fun, Games and Jokes => Relationships ----------------------------- Information ----------------------------- => Your Expat Ukraine => Help desk