Group D concluded last night to end the round-robin stage, and there was only one match I was going to watch last night, despite supporting Spain. Sweden – Russia was the one that counted, and boy, am I glad to have seen that Russian performance. 2-0 does not tell an adequate story of just how vastly superior they were to Sweden, who were out of ideas despite huffing and puffing as they always do. The return of suspended skipper Andrei Arshavin catalysed a stunning attacking performance, the Russians gliding past the Swedish defence seemingly at will.
Despite the brilliant performances all around from Russia, there were obvious standouts. Arshavin showed us why Guus Hiddink felt it was worth the possibility of him only playing one game to pick him for the squad, supporting Pavlyuchenko eagerly and dictating everything that Russia did. His goal just after half-time was more than deserved. The other major plus was Yuri Zhirkov, the left-winger now turned left-back who dominated his entire flank with boundless energy and superb creativity. He was unlucky not to score with a couple of great free-kicks.
Unfortunately for Russia, their only barrier to being a great side right now is the fact that everyone should have scored more. Their main striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko, looks first class in his work rate, pace and ability to get past defenders – but his finishing has been apalling throughout the tournament. Sure, he scored one last night, and what a good team goal it was, but he literally should have had 10. I counted. That inability to get the ball in the back of the net may cost Russia, probably against Holland in Saturday’s quarterfinal – and doesn’t that look like being a great game. Pick of the round for me, actually.
I saw very brief highlights of Spain’s comeback win against Greece. By all accounts it wasn’t too convincing but Xabi Alonso was unlucky not to score three magical goals and Ruben de la Red’s equaliser was a volley of such thundering speed it’s probably still moving. Spain are confident all right, and should have enough to see off Italy.
So that’s it for the group stages, which means that from now on it’s a knockout! We kick off the quarter finals with Germany v Portugal tonight, which I’m expecting to be a frustrating 0-0 for Portugal followed by an inevitable German win on penalties. I’m nothing if not unoriginal.
