Open Thread: Spain v. Russia

[Photo: MediaFax Photo]

So, it appears we may have not coordinated everything properly here at UF and we are without a liveblogger for the second semifinal match between Russia and Spain. We'll give it a go with the open thread.

Russia has been certainly ascendant in this tournament. It was hard not to be after the opening match 4-1 thrashing it received from Spain. But, that was before Andrei Arshavin reappeared on the stage. Since he returned Russia has looked very dangerous and Guus Hiddink has his men attacking, attacking, attacking. Very exciting football.

Spain on the other hand started out the tourney in sterling fashion, but seems to have cooled a bit. Although, it still has not lost a match, advancing to this stage with a PK shootout victory over a negative Italian team.

Hopefully, this match can live up to the excitement of yesterday's...and maybe, just maybe...a Russian player will get a couple of women for his efforts.

After the jump, the lineups.


Russia
Akinfeyev, Anyukov, Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Zyryanov, Semak, Semshov, Saenko, Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko.

Spain

Casillas, Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Villa and Torres

Spain is wearing their unlucky yellows.

30 minutes in, we have a nice back and forth match. A Fabergas substitution allows me to stroke myself in Glee. Nice cross to...the Keeper.

40:45 Long runs by the Russians, but the Torres/Fabergas hookups are coming fast and free.

46 min: We're wrapping up with Xavi's free kick getting lost, my accountant walking into my office every 3 minutes, and I'm missing the action.

So far Arshavin has played "meh" but the style of play on both sides has been great. There is no Italy grind 'em out match.

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