Source: CCTV.com

06-25-2008 10:38

Special Report:   2008 European Championships

Spain will now face Russia on Thursday with a place in the final of Euro 2008 up for grabs. They had earlier knocked out reigning World Champions Italy in a tense quarter final meeting.

The two sides have already played each other at the first group match, when Spain won convincingly by four goals to one. Spain have also won their other two European Championship meetings, 2-1 in 1964 and 1-nil in 2004. This is the ninth occasion that the two sides have met in the knock out stages of a major tournament. And after waiting nearly 25 years to see Spain reach the last four of a major tournament, midfielder Xavi believes his team have been boosted by that shootout triumph over the Italians.

Spain midfielder Xavi said, "Difference in this match is that we will have so much confidence now. We have a lot of self belief. We won a match against a difficult team. They were practically the favourites to win the Euro Cup."

Russia get ready to take on Spain

Russia, meanwhile, reached the last four after beating the highly-fancied Netherlands side 3-1 in extra time, showing some impressive attacking flair. With a 4-1 hammering by Spain in the group stages still fresh in his mind, Russia's master tactician Guus Hiddink is adamant his team have learnt from their mistakes in Innsbruck nearly three weeks ago. The Dutchman knows his side cannot afford to make the same mistakes against Spain.

Russia's coach Guus Hiddink said, "Well if we play as we did before then we don't even have to start this game, we can hand over our wallets to Spain."

 

Editor:Zhang Ning