Euro 2008

Spain 3 - Russia 0

Spain are in to their first final in 24 years after beating Russia 3-0! Luis Aragonés's side were expecting a harder battle than their opening game against the East Europeans, and Guus Hiddink's team held their own in an even first half, with Torres, Villa and Sergio Ramos bringing good saves out of Akinfeev and Pavlyuchenko going close a couple of times for the Russians.

Aragonés had put out his first choice line up once again, but an injury to Villa late in the first half brought on Fábregas. That meant a change of formation, but it worked to perfection as Xavi latched on to a return pass from Iniesta to open the scoring five minutes after the restart. Fábregas set up fellow substitute Güiza for him to score his side's second twenty minutes later, and Silva wrapped things up late on after another assist from the Arsenal midfielder.

Spain now meet Germany in Sunday's final, and the long suffering fans are hoping that the eternal promises have at last come of age. (26.06.08)