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Spain Pummels Russia to Reach European Final

Big second half keys 3-0 victory; Germany awaits on Sunday

By Chip Bayers,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 26, 2008 4:25 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Spain scored three second-half goals today to beat Russia 3-0 and reach the European Championship final, giving the team a chance to shed its status as one of soccer's biggest underachievers. Xavi Hernandez, Dani Guiza and David Silva each scored to give the Spaniards a shot at their second European title when they play Germany in Vienna, Austria.

Spain, which won the 1964 European tournament, ended its run of five quarterfinal defeats by beating Italy in a penalty shootout Sunday. It confirmed its title aspirations with a penetrating passing attack on a slick surface in pouring rain against Russia. The Spaniards and Germans have not played a competitive match since a 1-1 draw in the 1994 World Cup. Overall, Germany has won eight of 19 meetings, with Spain taking five and six draws.

Spain's David Silva, right, celebrates scoring Spain's third goal past Russia's Igor Akinfeev during the semifinal match in Vienna at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships.
Spain's David Silva, right, celebrates scoring Spain's third goal past Russia's Igor Akinfeev during the semifinal match in Vienna at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships.   (AP Photo)
Spain's players celebrate their 3-0 win at the end of the semifinal match between Russia and Spain in Vienna, Austria at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
Spain's players celebrate their 3-0 win at the end of the semifinal match between Russia and Spain in Vienna, Austria at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.   (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Spain's David Silva, top, celebrates with his teammate Cesc Fabregas after Silva scored his side's third goal during today's European semifinal match against Russia.
Spain's David Silva, top, celebrates with his teammate Cesc Fabregas after Silva scored his side's third goal during today's European semifinal match against Russia.   (AP Photo)
Spain's David Silva, foreground, celebrates scoring his side's 3rd goal past Russia's Igor Akinfeev, rear, during the semifinal match between Russia and Spain in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, June 26, 2008, at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland. Spain defeated Russia 3-0.
Spain's David Silva, foreground, celebrates scoring his side's 3rd goal past Russia's Igor Akinfeev, rear, during the semifinal match between Russia and Spain in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, June 26, 2008,...   (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Spain's Daniel Guiza reacts after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Russia and Spain at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships.
Spain's Daniel Guiza reacts after scoring his side's second goal during the semifinal match between Russia and Spain at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships.   (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Spain's Daniel Guiza, left, scores his side's second goal past Russia's Igor Akinfeev during the semifinal match between Russia and Spain in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, June 26, 2008, at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
Spain's Daniel Guiza, left, scores his side's second goal past Russia's Igor Akinfeev during the semifinal match between Russia and Spain in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, June 26, 2008, at the Euro 2008...   (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Spain's Xavi Hernandez celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the semifinal match between Russia and Spain in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, June 26, 2008, at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
Spain's Xavi Hernandez celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the semifinal match between Russia and Spain in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, June 26, 2008, at the Euro 2008 European Soccer...   (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)
Spain's Iker Casillas celebrates his side's 3-0 win at the end of the semifinal match between Russia and Spain at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
Spain's Iker Casillas celebrates his side's 3-0 win at the end of the semifinal match between Russia and Spain at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.   (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)
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