Jun
25
Spain Talks about Russia
Filed Under Euro 2008 |
Spain forward David Villa said that he knew Russia was a potent team after they played them in their Euro 2008 opener. Spain won with a score of 4-1, but Villa said that the numbers were very misleading because Russia played very well and he isn’t at all surprised that they have made it to the semis.
Villa is warning his teammates not to be overly confident because that could lead to their own destruction. Russia has a very strong and aggressive young team, one which was showcased in their brilliant quarterfinal match against Holland. Spain is still confident after they broke their horrible collapse streak when it came to big tournaments, but they know that they can’t take their opponents lightly if they hope to advance to the finals against Germany.
Spain has been studying the strategies that Russia has been using, so that they are more effect against them. Looking back at records from their opening match certainly helps, but they have also had to look at more recent games because Andrei Arshavin didn’t play the opener due to suspension. Since then, Arshavin has done very well for Russia and he is one of the team’s top playmakers, so Spain will need to keep an eye on him. Spain captain Iker Casillas realizes the threat, saying that they all saw what he did to Holland. He added that it is important for his team to stay focused and pay attention to what they are doing if they hope to beat the rising Russian team.