Special report from UEFA Euro 2004™
- Spain v Russia
Our very own roving reporter, Nidge, was lucky enough to attend last weeks Group A match at the Algarve stadium in Faro, Portugal between Spain and Russia. See below for his excellent match report and photos.
This game was a group A opening match between Russia & Portugal and was held at the newly built Algarve stadium in Faro, Portugal.
On match day the atmosphere was superb and both set of fans were friendly and in great spirits to cheer their teams on.
Fans were coming from all directions and soon filled the stadium to its full capacity.
Both teams lined up and the ground listened to both countries national anthems and the tension was building up as it was important to both teams not to lose their opening group game in the tourney. It was a very proud moment for all concerned.
The teams took their positions and it was time to kick off. Spain started off the better team as Russia looked very nervy and were all over the place.
First 15 minutes and the ball was permanently down the Russian end and their defence was very busy indeed. Tactically the Russians didn't have a clue and Spain took full advantage and it showed but to the Spanish fans amazement no goal was scored.
Raúl and Morientes were always probing and causing concern to the Russian defence, but the greatest threats were down the flanks with Vicente & Etxeberria. Baraja of Valencia was the play-maker and everything in the first half was linked by him finding his wingers with ease.
If Russia wanted too get back into this game they needed to put more effort in retaining and keeping the ball and expose Spain in certain areas of the field.
At last Russia started passing the ball with confidence and found them selves 2 on 1 on the right hand side and with the tall Bulykin up front it seemed tactically the right option to find him but they didn't, with either poor delivery or the Russian striker didn't seem to find the space. The Russians do what they know best and pass and run well, which they set up a good chance and at last put some pressure on the Spanish keeper Casillas who saved and held the ball well.
Portsmouth's Aleksei Smertin was by far the best Russian player on the pitch and was everywhere and if it wasn't for him his team could of folded much sooner than they did. He seemed to break a lot of the Spanish play up and then feed Dmitri Alenichev who made a dazzling solo run and nearly scored but for the diving Casillas who blocked the shot for a corner.
With half-time coming up and the score still 0-0 the Russians were very happy and got them selves back into the match but could they keep up with the Spanish team in the 2nd half and they couldn't afford another slow start or they would be punished.
The Spanish fans were chanting for their man on the bench - Juan Carlos Valeron to change the game and break the deadline. The colourful stand full of Spanish must have influenced the manager as he put on Valeron.
With in a minute of coming on Valeron scored (Goal!!!!) on the hour and it gave the Spanish inspiration and they never looked back.
This gave the Spanish loads of confidence and they never looked back running the Russians ragged at times with some great attacks but still didn't add too the score.
Russia did try their best but got a man sent off at the end and surely it was all over but they got them selves a free-kick right at the end but couldn't snatch a draw.
Full Time: Spain 1 v 0 Russia
Thanks to Nidge for this great unique report and some awesome photos.
