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Jun
26
Russia Slain by Spain
June 26, 2008 |
Russian and Spanish fans scuffled in Vienna before game time. In Moscow, security was tight with an extra 4000 cops on the beat. It was all for not as Russia went down 0-3 to Spain on Thursday, dashing the hopes of a nation. Will little Guus Evgenevich Gorodnikov look to change his name? Ger Clancy, aka The Irishman, explains why the Russians fell and why Russian football has a bright future.
After all the thrills, hype, endless column inches and rave reviews by the pundits, Russia’s Euro 2008 adventure came to an end tonight in a soaking wet Vienna. Tired, leaden-footed and without inspiration, Russia were thumped 3-0 by an excellent Spanish team who now look odds-on favourites to lift the trophy on Sunday night. Spain almost entirely dominated the match and were deserving winners. For the Russians the tournament is over. All that remains are their goodbyes to Austria-Switzerland and the journey home. But they can hold their heads high and be immensely proud of their achievements. For the first time since the birth of the modern Russian state in 1991 a Russian team has made an impact in what is by far the world’s most popular sport. Forget ice-hockey and the Olympics; only football will get everybody onto the streets. For football is closest to the Russian heart. Tonight those hearts were broken, but when their tears dry they’ll know their team has been a credit to the country and has put Russia back on the world football map. Tonight’s game was a bridge too far for their young and inexperienced team, but their football has lit up the championship and will be long remembered after Sunday’s final.
Russia began the game with Spain with just one change from the side that beat Holland, with Vasilli Berezutskii replacing the suspended Denis Kolodin. Spain inexplicably kept faith with David Silva and left Fabregas on the bench. This fact alone must have warmed Hiddink’s heart in the pre-match. Unfortunately that decision would be reversed very quickly and Russia would pay dearly for it.
The game started badly for the Russians with the Spanish entirely dominating the opening ten minutes. However Berezutskii held his own against Torres and eventually Zyrianov, Semak and Zhirkov began to win some ball in midfield and move it around at bit. However, this turned out to be the limit of Russian endeavour. Russia looked lead footed from very early on with Arshavin and Saenko making little or no forward runs as they had done in previous games. Indeed, the only Russian forward player who kept any pace with the Spaniards was Pavlyuchenko, who would plough a lone furrow all night. For the next twenty minutes Russia exchanged tit-for-at piecemeal attacks with the Spanish, but never looked like scoring or dominating.
On 33 minutes the defining act of the game occurred. David Villa went down with an injury and was replaced with Fabregas, Spain’s mercurial midfielder who bizarrely wasn’t picked from the start. From there on in the Spanish took control of the centre of the park. It was now just a case of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ for the Spaniards.
And the when duly came on 55 minutes when Xavi played a one-two with Senna to crack home a brilliant strike past Akinfeev. Russia were now totally out of the game. The second blow arrived on 73 minutes when Guiza finished after an excellent through-ball from the dominant Fabregas. Fabregas then set up David Silva for the 3rd goal nine minutes later. The stats rarely lie –Russia, one shot on target, Spain had eleven. For Russia it was Goodnight Vienna.
There are many reasons for Russia’s defeat, and most of them will have merit in the argument. But the simple, most obvious fact and most compelling reason is that Russia are simply not as good as the Spaniards. After all the hype–which undoubtedly had an effect, especially on Arshavin, who played very poorly–Russia came up against a very skillful and highly experienced Spanish team, who, in spite of the best efforts of their incompetent, arrogant coach, are now on the cusp of greatness and a deserved European Championship trophy. Russia were also exhausted. I hate to say I told you so, but Saturday’s match with Holland blew every spare effort Russia had. There was just nothing left in the tank. Newspaper speculation about player transfers certainly was no help, nor were tales of children being named after coaches and players! For the young Russian team all this was new territory and they almost certainly buckled under pressure.
So, where to now for the Sbornaya Rossii? The great thing about football is that there’s always another game and another tournament around the corner, and the qualifiers for the World Cup begin in September. Hiddink will remain in charge, and though Russia won’t win it, we’re sure of another thrill-a-minute adventure in South Africa in Summer 08. To all Russia fans broken-hearted tonight – dry your tears and smile. Russia shall return!
Do Svidaniya, Rossiya!!
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RIA Novosti- Global Voices: Russia
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Thanks for the article, Ger. Although I hoped not, I knew that Spain would probably be the winner. After Russia’s last two games, though, I did not expect such a rout. I know all teams go through ups and downs, of being on or off, but Russia’s inconsistency is quite extreme. I wish Hiddink success.
In any event, before this whole thing started I never even considered the possibility that Russia will make it that far. Because of it I was rooting for either Holland or Spain. Especially Spain. I hope their jinx ends. It’s about time. But who knows….
By the way, all sales of alcohol were banned in Moscow last night because of this match. AFAIK this was not a government order, but done by business themselves out of fear that they would have their windows smashed by drunk football fans.
I watched the game in St. Petersburg, and alcohol was very much on sale here. Apparently 5,000 people watched the game in Lenin Square in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and this made it onto the national news.
I don’t think it’s too confusing that David Villa started over Cesc … he did have a crazy hat trick early in the tournament.
I thought Russia looked mis-coached in the semi, compared with their all their surprises they pulled out to bring down the Dutch. That is still something to celebrate.
Actually, I didn’t think Spain looked that great, and I thought Russia held their own in the midfield in the first half. The difference for me was that Spain took three excellent opportunities, whereas Russia didn’t take the few they managed to create. Spain were woeful against Italy, and although Germany looked a little lost for a while against Turkey, my money is on the Germans to beat Spain by about 2-0.
I did enjoy being driven about Vassilevskii Island in a blacked out Porsche Cayenne S after the game though, owned and operated by a friend of mine who three years ago was an unemployed former barman who I met in Abu Dhabi and was borrowing money from me. I have no idea what he does now, and am afraid to ask.
”I don’t think it’s too confusing that David Villa started over Cesc ”
There’s no confusion at all - it was David SILVA, not Villa, who was picked mysteriously ahead of Fabregas -Silva is in midfield, Villa is a forward. It just so happened that Villa went off injured and Fabregas went on and turned the game for Spain. Spain switched to a five-man midfield which allowed them take over with Fabregas pulling the strings. Silva is rubbish and Villa not far behind, hat-trick or not. Aragones the Cohones surely has no choice but to start Fabregas now, but you wouldnt know with him.
”I thought Russia looked mis-coached in the semi, compared with their all their surprises they pulled out to bring down the Dutch.”
I thought they looked exhausted and wonder was there too much work done before the match. Everything was laboured. And in fairness the Russian bench is poor anyway, there isnt much he can change, especially with Torbinksii suspended. The Russians didnt seem to be set up right though, I have to agree.
”Spain were woeful against Italy,”
I think they were made woeful by Italy, which is pretty much Standard Operating Procedure for the Italians. I do agree that they didnt make much chances. But they made plenty last night and took the Russians to the cleaners in the second half. I dont think it was down to three chances only.
”..although Germany looked a little lost for a while against Turkey, my money is on the Germans to beat Spain by about 2-0.”
Germany ARE rubbish and have beaten nobody decent to get to the final bar Turkey. Both centre-backs are donkeys, Lehmann is possibly the worst goalkeeper in German history and Freidrich cant tackle, an amazing trait for full-back. Then again neither can Lamm but at least he can score! However knowing the Germans, and the Spanish capacity to go up in smoke, I suspect the Germans will beat them. I can see Podolski and Sweinsteiger giving Ramos and Marchena a hard time, and these guys are leaky enough as it is. I hope to God we’re both wrong. No offence to Germans or Germany, but it’d be nice to see a new winner of the competition.
”I watched the game in St. Petersburg, and alcohol was very much on sale here. ”
I love Petes in the summer. How was Wales? Did you get down the local?
”Thanks for the article, Ger. Although I hoped not, I knew that Spain would probably be the winner”
Thanks Kolya!:-) I thought Russia would beat them to be honest, or at least get past them. But as James and yourself have said Russia have a had a great adventure, especially beating the Dutch. I think the main thing now really is for Hiddink to build on that and have a good crack at getting to SA 2010 and then to a quarter final.
You’ve got it all wrong. Russia only lost because of sneaky Spain’s mind-altering rays technology:
http://en.rian.ru/video/20080627/112425471.html
FWIW, I have to confess that I didn’t see the match. All I know is from what I have read here and elsewhere. I was going to take time off to watch it in a pub. Now I’m glad I didn’t.
I agree with Ger, regardless of the result games against Italy are usually a torture to watch.
I hope Spain does not choke.
”Now I’m glad I didn’t.”
You’re as well off. It wasnt pretty Kolya, thats for sure.
” agree with Ger, regardless of the result games against Italy are usually a torture to watch.”
They were short so many players -Gattuso and Cannovarro especialy -that they had to revert to the old style. And they’ve no forwards. Luca Toni? Atrocious.
”I hope Spain does not choke.”
Me too. Its time they won. I’ve known plenty of Spaniards and I have to say they seem to be very nice people and this would be great for them. I’ve never been there, but ‘Death in the Afternoon’ paints an amazing and compelling picture of the country that has stuck with me.
How was Wales? Did you get down the local?
I haven’t been back to Wales in years, all the family live in the London area now. The 5 hour drive on crap country roads and a 2-lane M4 doesn’t make the journey nuch fun.
I’ll be supporting Germany on Sunday. I know that if Spain lose, a lot of Real Madrid fans will be upset, and that is a situation I would relish.
”I hope Spain does not choke.”
Me too - I’ve £30 riding on them in the works pool, so victory for Spain will make up for Russia’s humbling by Spain and - worse - England’s humbling by Russia…
Germany ARE rubbish and have beaten nobody decent to get to the final bar Turkey.
Looks as though you called this one right, Ger. Germany were woeful, and Spain thoroughly deserved the cup. So much for my 2-0 prediction. I still think Russia did everyone a huge favour by knocking the Netherlands out, though.
Drinks are on Andy, by the way.
”Looks as though you called this one right, Ger.”
To be honest Tim that happens very rarely indeed! But even though Germany were very poor, all it needed was one decent delivery from Schweinsteiger and someone on the end of it and the match could’ve been different. Aragones took off Fabregas and Torres -two bizarre decisions - but I havent seen a German team play as badly since Euro 2000. Good grief they were terrible. But even worse I noticed Merkel giving guff to the referee at the end when he was up getting his medal. Now I know the ref was poor, but its ridiculous to see a head of state criticisng officials up at the winners podium. Dreadful sore-loserism from the German leader who i think let the country and the players down. Seemingly she’d been texting players all through the tournament for ‘inspiration’. As you can see it wasnt much help. Now if Claudia Schiffer was texting them I’m sure it’d give up them a giddy-up, but Angela Merkel?
” I still think Russia did everyone a huge favour by knocking the Netherlands out, though.”
There is no doubting this. I think what has made this tournament great -surely the best since USA ‘94 (which poor old Wales should’ve qualified for) - has been the subplots of both Russia and Turkey who didnt even make the final. All this sideshows, which were as thrilling as Spain winning, made the tournament (which started atrociousl!) into an epic.
”Drinks are on Andy, by the way.”
An Englishman buying pints? You’ve been in Sakhalin too long and something’s happened your head!:-)