Source: Xinhua
06-11-2008 11:32
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsINNSBRUCK, June 10 (Xinhua) -- A brilliant David Villa scored the first hat-trick of the tournament as Spain opened their Euro 2008 campaign in a dazzling style, slaughtering Russia 4-1 on Tuesday.
In the other Group D match played later, Sweden beat defending champions Greece 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Petter Hansson.
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| Spain's David Villa (red) breaks through during the Euro 2008 Group D football match between Spain and Russia at Tivoli Neu Stadium in Innsbruck, Austria, June 10, 2008. Spain won 4-1. (Xinhua Photo) |
Spain's opening performance will definitely add to their confidence as the much-fancied side are looking to the first major trophy in 34 years.
Valencia striker Villa was in terrifying form, contributing two first-half goals, a superb solo and also helping with Cesc Fabaregas' injury time fourth as tens of thousands of Spanish fans enjoyed their carnival at a rain-soaked Stadion Tivoli Neu.
Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia's lone forward up front, headed in a corner four minutes from time for Russia's consolation.
But Russia, without suspended playmaker Andrei Arshavin and injured key scorer Pavel Pogrebnyak, were not coming out afraid of attack as their manager Guus Hiddink had promised an aggressive approach.
They might have leveled for 1-1 right after Villa's first goal, but Roman Pavlyuchenko eventually slammed a shot against the foot of the post with Iker Casillas nowhere.
At Salzburg, Inter Milan striker Ibrahimovic's powerful shot and midfielder Hansson's lucky pickup availed Sweden a deserved win.
Sweden coach Lars Lagerback paired veteran Henrik Larsson with Ibrahimovic up front, and the duo's fine cooperation generated the opener for Sweden in the 67th minute.
Ibrahimovic dribbled forward fast to cracked the renowned Greek defense line and hammered into the far corner of the net after a one-two trick with Larsson.
