James Pearson analyses Spain's chances of being crowned European champions.
Aragones' troops look the business ahead of Euro 2008 final
I must admit, ahead of Thursday's semi-final Russia were my favourites to set up a Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday.
Even though Guus Hiddink's side failed to impress in the opening 45 minutes in Vienna, I still felt they were playing within themselves and were only seconds away from sparking into life.
That spark never came and following Xavi's sublime opener from Andres Iniesta's cross, Russia, who impressed all with their wins over Sweden and Holland, never looked like getting back into the game.
Spain went on to an impressive 3-0 success thanks to further goals from Daniel Guiza and David Silva.
No impact
The lively Andrei Arshavin, who tormented Sweden and Marco van Basten's Holland - after missing the first two games of the tournament through suspension - might as well have not featured.
Spain restricted Russia's key man to a mere spectator role at times, while the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres tormented Hiddink's backline.
For Russia, they will come back stronger and could well be a worth backing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but for here and now they just lacked the experience and guile needed to make the final.
Spain, on the other hand, have a side packed with big-name players and having managed to successfully avoided the prospect of winning the game in extra-time, will now be resting and focusing on chopping Germany down to size.
Amazing
It's amazing to think Germany failed to win a single match at the last two European Championship following their Euro '96 glory in England, but Joachim Low's side are back with a bang.
Germany, like Spain, will be full of confidence ahead of Sunday's final, meaning the showpiece in Vienna could go either way.
It is Spain's first appearance in a European Championship final since meeting France in Euro '84. Germany on the other hand have claimed the title on three occasions while Spain won it once way back in 1964. A time few current fans can remember.
History and form are one thing, but going out and performing on the big stage is another. After so many years of flattering to deceive, Spain's current crop of stars could well go one step further and be crowned European champions this summer.
