Russia vs Spain is the second UEFA Euro 2008 Semifinals match up as we race through the 2008 European Championships. The Spanish rolled to a 4-1 rout over the Russians in the tournament opener. Now they meet again in the semifinals with a trip to the final round on the line, this time on Thursday afternoon at Ernst Happel Stadion. BetOnline.com has Spain at EVEN odds, Russia +240 odds, Draw +220 odds and the over 2.5 +115 and the under 2.5 –165 odds.
The Spanish had their hands full with Italy in the quarterfinals, playing to a scoreless draw after 120 minutes. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas then put up a spectacular performance in the penalty shootout, stopping two Italian attempts to lead the Spanish to a 4-2 victory. Casillas bailed his team out, as they were completely stripped of all offensive ideas by Italy. They were also lacking in accuracy, as they managed 27 shots, but only ten were actually on target, and most of those were long-range, speculative efforts.
The Russians stunned the Netherlands 3-1 in extra time in their quarterfinal tilt, and the star of the show was Andrei Arshavin, who notched a goal and an assist, and was a general nuisance to the Dutch defense all game long. Roman Pavluchenko and Dmitri Torbinsky also scored for Russia, who outplayed the heavily-favored Netherlands and would have won in regulation if they had not allowed an equalizer with four minutes remaining.
The Spanish are favored at EVEN odds for this UEFA Euro 2008 Russia vs Spain Semifinals match, but this is a completely different Russian side than the one they pummeled in their opening game. Russia is confident, they have the momentum, and one of the world's best managers in Guus Hiddink. The Spanish are perennial underachievers in major tournaments, and this will be no different as the Russians will pull off the big upset with a victory on Thursday.
Spain vs Russia – 2:45 PM ET – UEFA Euro 2008 Semifinals
Free UEFA Euro 2008 Tip: Russia
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