Spanish through to Euro 2008 after majestic second-half display against Russia

Spanish through to Euro 2008 after majestic second-half display against Russia

Second-half goals from Xavi, substitute Daniel Güiza and David Silva sealed Spain's first major final in 24 long years, as they defeated Russia 3-0 in the semi-final in Vienna. Arsenal's Cesc Fábregas, who came on for injured striker David Villa after only 31 minutes, was influential in the game.

The 21-year-old grabbed two assists, and could have played his way into Luis Aragonés final XI.

In a tight first-half the Russians came closest to scoring, when, after 35 minutes, forward Roman Pavlyuchenko could only flash his close-range snap-shot wide of captain and 'keeper Iker Casillas' right-hand post.

After the break, and with Fábregas beginning to find his feet, it took Spain only five minutes to open the scoring through Barcelona's Xavi.

The midfielder ghosted through Russia's defence and steered in club team-mate Andrés Iniesta's drilled pass.

Güiza put the result beyond doubt when he chipped in a goal with 17 minutes remaining after a one-two with Fábregas.

The Arsenal midfielder then played in Silva who, with eight minutes left on the clock, crashed his shot past Igor Akinfeev.

Spain will face Germany in Vienna on Sunday to battle for their second major trophy - they won the European Championship in 1964.

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