Spain set up an intriguing Euro 2008 final clash against Germany in Vienna as they put an end to Russia’s amazing run by winning 3-0 in the second semifinal at the Ernst Happel Stadium. Second half goals from Xavi Hernandez, Dani Guiza and David Silva allowed Luis Aragones’ side to cruise to a comfortable win.

Both teams started off well, and the first half, even though it did not produce a single goal, was one of the best ones in the tournament. Torres had an opportunity as early as the 5^th minute, but his shot was blocked by Akinfeev’s legs. In the absence of the suspended Denis Kolodin, Roman Pavyluchenko tested Iker Casillas with a well hit freekick that went inches above the bar. At the other end, David Villa hobbled off after half an hour and was replaced by Fabregas. Minutes earlier, Villa seemed to be in some pain after taking a free kick, and it was deemed serious enough to take him off. It was later confirmed that Villa had injured his thigh muscle. The absence of their top scorer could have seen the Spanish lose their focus, but Cesc Fabregas had other plans. He seemed to connect with Torres the way we’ve seen Steven Gerrard do at Anfield, and Spain slowly grew in confidence. Andrei Arshavin happened have an off day, and that didn’t really help the Russia cause.

Spain’s first goal came five minutes after the break, with Andres Iniesta setting up Xavi to score from six yards out after finding space down the left. Fabregas sent a brilliant pass through to Torres, but Russia were saved by Yuri Zhirkov’s last ditch tackle. Three minutes later the Arsenal midfielder forced Igor Akinfeev to make a one handed save. However Spain’s efforts paid off when Fabregas’ pass found Dani Guiza, and the striker did well to chest it down and loft over Akinfeev. Iniesta and Fabregas were excellent with their passes, and Guus Hiddink could do nothing but watch helplessly from the sidelines as Spain broke his side down. David Silva added a third eight minutes from time, with a cool finish after some good combination play from Iniesta and Fabregas, to shut the door on the Russians and send Spain into their first final since France’84.

France won Euro 1984 after winning all their group games, and that is exactly what Spain have done here. Germany and Joachim Loew beware ! La Furia Roja are coming for their second European title on Sunday !