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Spain Russia Preview

June 9th, 2008 | By: Nick | 7 Comments »

Alexei Smertin and Raul at Euro 2004 Hi all, I just wanted to give my preview to the Spain-Russia match tommorrow (June 10, 2008).

First of all, this Russian side is very different from the one that faced Spain on June 12, 2004 at Euro 2004. Hiddink has transformed the sqaud into a very solid defensive side at the back and an attacking force in the front. According to euro2008.com, Hiddink will have a new back line with Kolodin and Shirokov in the center along with Zhirkov and Anyukov on the left and right respectively. I think this is a risky considering that Smertin played in defense at Euro 2004 and had tendancy to advance and leave his inexperienced teammates exposed. However, I think Zhirkov could play well by starting fast counter attacks.

As far as the midfield is concerned, I am not too worried as there are nine out of 23 midfielders at Hiddink’s disposal. According to euro2008.com all of the midfielders have trained well.

I am concered about the front line as the unavailablity of Progrebnyak and Arshavin is crucial. However, Hiddink has chosen midfielders like Bystrov and Saenko that can play as strikers. Also Zyrianov, Bilyaletdinov, and Semak can contribute to the attack with powerfull strikes. Current speculation sugests Hiddink will use the 4-5-1 formation with Pavlyuchenko up front. Pavlyucheko can be subed by Sychev, Saenko, and Adamov to keep the attack fresh. But I think the midfielders will have an attacking role to support the striker.

But being a Russian fan, I trust Guus Hiddink even though may sometimes disagree with his tactical decisions.

I will not make a prediction because I think this game will be tough for both sides and all I can conclude is it will not be as easy for Spain as it was on June 12, 2004.

Enjoy the game. I look forward to comments and reactions following the game.

Tags: Previews, Russia, Spain, Team News

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Comments

By Phil | June 10th, 2008 at 12:33 am

Prediction: Spain wins 4-0, crushes everybody else in the group, 9 points with +9 goal difference, then crashes out in the quarters.

By goalcentre | June 10th, 2008 at 1:25 am

You can’t be real right Phil? Spain will win this match but it won’t be a stroll in the park for them.

Posted from Malaysia

By Arminius | June 10th, 2008 at 1:30 pm

maks russia:

Congratulation on your spelling feat: 5 mistakes in 7 words. Not so easy to beat.

By Russian English | June 10th, 2008 at 1:42 pm

Shirikov: best player for Spain today. The central defender didn’t even bother running back, which cost Russia the first goal.

2nd goal was simply sloppy, Anyukov not being able to commit himself seeing as he had to cover Shirikov’s central territory as well.

The 3rd goal was also totally Shirkov’s fault, treating Villa like he’s a 5 year old with no power or accuracy, and after that the entire defense lost any will to even bother trying (but it was still obviously completely off-side for goal #4)

Kolodin had some errors, and the young midfield showed their lack of experience (rain made it worse) however without a doubt Shirikov was to blaim for basically everything and I would be VERY surprised if Hiddink plays him again this tournament.

Posted from United States

By j | June 10th, 2008 at 2:34 pm

Nick – I’m quite surprised with todays match as Russia is a much better squad than this. Obviously the loss of Pavel Pogrebnyak and Andrei Arshavin put them at a huge disadvantage but the miscues were very uncharacteristic of the team. What types of changes do you see for the match against Greece? I must say I was VERY surprised to see Vladimir Bystrov and Dmitri Torbinsky not start the match and think it cost

Posted from Germany

By nick | June 10th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

j-I see the entire backline changed. Zhirkov is clearly not a defender, and Shirokov is inexperienced having only played in that role for six months at FC Zenit. I think Hiddink, will bring back Ignashevich, and the Berezutski twins.

Posted from United States

By Luis | June 26th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

I do not agree with the idea that Russia is a different team now. Aershavin is a great player, but one player does not make such a big difference.

Posted from United Kingdom