Arshavin, who?

I stayed up all night to watch the so-much-hype-like-England Arshavin, what he's all about. People talk about him like they do about me and all.
Ok, there are 2 lies in the above statements. Firstly, I did not stay up all nite coz I was too tired, and fell asleep only to be awaken 10 mins after Zat's missed call, 20mins into the game. Secondly, noone actually talked about me la.
Seriously, I was quite disappointed to see nothing from Arshavin ah. It was like watching myself play ah, merepek gils. No wonder the media rated him like 4/10 for the game, kisurat.

Guys, did you notice that?

In the first half of last nite's game, Spain looked quite ineffective, couldn't really get the flow going, except for a few times that they managed to get the ball to the Russian keeper, Akinfeev. I think this is the first time I've seen Spain having lesser possession than their opposition - like 47%-53%. Normally Spain would be having at least 60% possession and a lot of completed passes. However Russia had only like 1 or 2 shots on target during the first half, contrasting with Spain's 6 or 7. Quite sad Villa had to be subbed out though. He couldn't add to his tally and most probably missing the final against Germany. In came Fabregas, and Spain was playing like a 4-5-1 but Silva was the only "winger".

As early as the 50th min, Spain broke the deadlock. Iniesta, who played his best game for Spain so far, assisted Xavi Hernandez to just direct the ball in between the legs of Akinfeev, OLE!. Xavi was the one who started the move, passing the ball to Iniesta then latching onto it later. I'm not sure if Iniesta meant that cross or it was a bad shot but what the hell, it's a goal. I'd give Xavi a rating of 8. He's one of the most simplest and effective player I've seen. He just gives those short and clean passes, directing the whole play of the game. Amazing.

Xavi celebrating his goal

When I saw Guiza coming in for Torres and Alonso for Xavi, I thought Aragones just did a Pekerman. But of course, Spain still had more players who can actually create something out of nothing, like Fabregas and Iniesta, so it wasn't exactly a Pekerman. The next goal came in like 15mins after the first. Ramos passed to Fabregas then Fabregas just gave the ball a damn nice lift into the path of the in-running Guiza who scored wif his outer foot. Niiiiiice. Before that, I was just thinking bout how this Guiza is quite a disgrace to the number 17. He gave me a tight slap on the face.

Celebration cool dok.

The last goal was more of a slap on Russia's confidence. They knew they couldn't possibly come back from a 3-goal deficit. Again, Fabregas was in the thick of everything. In the last few games, he was used as a sub in about 60mins but last nite he was subbed in so early on. Yet, he was fabulous. Obviously, rating 9 ah. In the words of Zal, baik gils to the max of the world. Not 10 bcoz he didn't play the full game. Fabregas crossed perfectly for Silva to get the ball and slot the ball into the bottom left corner. Silva deserved a goal ah for his runs and passes in the game. Rating for Silva - 8. Credit to Iniesta too, who gave a nice Aimar-like L1+Triangle through pass to Fabregas. Iniesta's rating - 8.

Fabregas again.

Towards the end, Russia had a few attacks too, trying to get a consolation goal for their notss goodss coach Guus Hiddink. Well, somehow Puyol and gang managed to contain them. And Casillas making a few saves too.

So Spain is in the final!!! Finally, after being somewhat underachievers who'd always get knocked out at the quarters of every competition. They now face quite a task, trying to pry open Germany who are somehow very efficient. Ah guys, watch out ke pe?

baik Arbeloa

Espana!