With all eyes on Russia’s number 10 Andrei Arshavin it was his opposing number 10 Spain’s Cesc Fabregas that proved the difference in this morning’s second semi final. Ironically it was only an injury to David Villa that resulted in Fabregas’ early entry on to the field but it proved the telling , albeit enforced, decision of the game for Aragones....he could have gone with Guiza in a straight swap for Villa to partner Torres up front and retain their starting structure...instead Fabregas came on with a remit to play in an advanced position just behind Torres who immediately looked more at home leading the line in the role he played so effectively for Liverpool all season. Fabregas, Silva, Xavi and Iniesta then proceeded to literally pass Russia to death and dumped them out of the Euros. Playing neat triangles all over the pitch with Fabregas pulling the strings much in the way and in the same areas Arshavin had in his two previous games.
By contrast there was a distinct lack of precocious pouting this time from little Andrei as the game completely passed him by...the sudden weight of expectation appearing to burden his game and in one telling moment in the first half he ignored a simple pass to his overlapping full back in favour of a low percentage turn and shot from 30 yards out. It was the telling moment for me on two fronts – firstly it showed he clearly wasn’t on his game but more importantly it showed that Russia has stopped doing the very things that had got them to where they were in the tournament and made them so refreshing to watch with their swift passing and movement.
Instead it was Spain who kept the ball moving carving the Russians open in the second half with the movement and weight of passing from Fabregas quite beautiful to watch. The slide rule pass for Silva’s goal got better with every replay and camera angle.
With Barcelona seemingly interested in taking Arshavin to the Camp Nou and Arshavin apparently just as keen on Barca it seems he’ll get another chance to prove he can deliver on the big stages soon enough but for now the plaudits must go to a former Barcelona man.....take a bow Cesc...you were simply magnificent.
By contrast there was a distinct lack of precocious pouting this time from little Andrei as the game completely passed him by...the sudden weight of expectation appearing to burden his game and in one telling moment in the first half he ignored a simple pass to his overlapping full back in favour of a low percentage turn and shot from 30 yards out. It was the telling moment for me on two fronts – firstly it showed he clearly wasn’t on his game but more importantly it showed that Russia has stopped doing the very things that had got them to where they were in the tournament and made them so refreshing to watch with their swift passing and movement.
Instead it was Spain who kept the ball moving carving the Russians open in the second half with the movement and weight of passing from Fabregas quite beautiful to watch. The slide rule pass for Silva’s goal got better with every replay and camera angle.
With Barcelona seemingly interested in taking Arshavin to the Camp Nou and Arshavin apparently just as keen on Barca it seems he’ll get another chance to prove he can deliver on the big stages soon enough but for now the plaudits must go to a former Barcelona man.....take a bow Cesc...you were simply magnificent.
