Chapter 203 The Matador Legion

The day after Belgium eliminated Turkey, the European Cup ended the second semi-final competition, with Harvey, Guiza and David. Silva scored in the second half, and Spain finally beat Russia 3-0 and reached the final again 24 years later. The defeated Russian team ended their magical journey, but being able to make it to the top four of the European Cup is already a very valuable achievement for Russian football, which has been at a low point for many years.

Hiddink, a 61-year-old Dutchman, is undoubtedly the greatest contributor to Russia's miracle. The Russian team led by him stepped on England to qualify in the qualifiers, advanced against Sweden in the group stage, and defeated the popular Dutch team in the quarter-finals, creating an inaccessible miracle, but in the end they did not The Russian team, which was able to break through Spain and lose 1:4 in the group stage, lost by three goals again in the semi-finals, and had no choice but to end their European Cup 2008 journey.

At the post-match press conference, Hiddink commented on the game: "In the game against Spain, we lost a well-functioning team. The Spanish team performed very well in the game. They deserved this victory. There is no doubt that I am disappointed with the result of the game, but I still serve our team. Proud."

The magical coach of the Russian team then added: "One of the plans of the Spanish team is to make us exhausted in the game, and by the second half of the game, we are indeed unable to make efforts to win. Nevertheless, we should still be proud to stand here today. Xi, we met a very strong opponent tonight.

Hiddink talked about the strong midfield strength of the Spanish team, especially Harvey, the midfield commander of the Spanish team: "The Spanish team controls well in the midfield, which is fatal to us. Their fast passing makes us passive, especially Harvey, who runs very actively in the midfield. He is also very smart when dealing with the ball, which can be said to be the key to the Spanish team's victory.

"In his position, Harvey is definitely in the top three in the world." Caragones also praised his lover's ability to regulate the midfield. The rainstorm was originally quite unfavorable to the technical Spain, but Harvey's existence made the bullfighting become the master.

Villa's accidental injury disrupted Spain's tactical deployment, and Torres, who is not good at single strikers, squandered golden opportunities again and again. If it is dragged into overtime by Russia, Spain, which has a day less rest, will face a huge crisis. At this time, it is Harvey who stands up to save the team.

In the 50th minute, Harvey divided the ball and went straight into the penalty area. The left side of the penalty area swept in front of the goal. Harvey's magic soldier appeared outside the small Russian penalty area like a sky. His shovel shot made the new generation of goalkeeper Akinfiev helpless. This goal seriously hit Russia's morale, and the matador then The next two cities completely locked the victory.

The long-term "behind-the-scenes work" makes Harvey considered a simple organizer, but in fact, Harvey's aggressiveness should not be underestimated. Harvey scored seven goals in the league this season, setting a new career record. In the European Cup qualifiers, Xavi also scored four goals for Spain, becoming Spain's No. 2 scorer after Villa.

Caragones changed the formation from 4141 to 442 before the European Cup, and Harvey's responsibility in the midfield became heavier, but there were fewer opportunities to hit the goal. Now after five games, Harvey has scored the first goal of this competition.

"We played a great game." Harvey also looked very excited after the game. "We are very happy that we are still making history. Now that we have reached the finals, I like the tense atmosphere of the knockout stage. If we make a small mistake, we may be kicked out. It will not be an easy match against Belgium, but we are all ready. Now Spain deserves the championship, and we are here to win the championship. Although we are not a favorite. Spain has not won anything for a long time, and Belgium has defeated us and brought us great pain, it will become an incentive for us. I don't want to define this game as revenge, but we must get it back. What has been lost!"

Whether Spain can win the championship or not, the team has created the best record in 24 years. Harvey gave his own explanation for the team's qualitative change: "I don't like to confuse politics and sports, but every Spaniard knows what the national team has done, whether he is from Catalonia. It's still Basque. Everyone in this team is excellent and united. Previous players sometimes disrespect each other. This is one of the best teams I have ever stayed in.

Like the former Belgian team, Belgium's results have not been able to be improved because of the struggle between the Walloons and Flemants, as well as Spain. The hatred between the Catalans and the Basques have made this team a gathering of stars, and the talented and powerful division has never been unable to compete in international competitions. A breakthrough has been made, but now, they seem to have solved all this, just as Degan pinched the Walloons and Flemants into a whole, and now the Spanish team is also united.

The defeated Russian team should not feel too sad. From Zenit St. Petersburg winning the UEFA Cup all the way to the amazing performance of the national team in the 2008 European Cup, Russian football has made people feel the infinite potential. Maybe they will soon bring greater shock to the fans. Hi.

It is also worth congratulating today's winner Spain, who reached the final of the competition for the first time in 24 years, and the Spanish team made history.

And on this * rainy night, Caragones will forever be recorded in Spanish history along with the new record he set. It was Caragones, who was stubborn, stubborn and sometimes even a little irritable, that made this world-famous bullfighting army with artistic football. You know, in this era of success and defeat, even Argentina and Brazil have embarked on the road of utilitarianism.

This game is also the 21st consecutive unbeaten game after Spain lost to Belgium and was blocked from the German World Cup finals, which has almost become an irreproducible myth in today's football.

Spain's opponents include Italy, England, France and other powerful teams. The bullfighting's unbeaten performance is quite amazing. Of course, this is not Caragones' personal record. After entering Spain in Euro 04, the wise man immediately led the team to 25 unbeaten results, a record until 2006 The World Cup qualifiers ended abruptly after losing to Belgium.

The longest unbeaten record of the national team in history was held by Hungary. In the four years 1950/1954, the Hungarian national team has achieved 29 consecutive unbeaten results. However, considering the level of football development today, the gold content of Spain's unbeaten record has actually surpassed the former Hungary.

After defeating Russia, this is the third time that Spain has reached the European Cup final. In 1964, the bullfighting won the championship at home, and Spain lost to the host France in 1984.

Spanish fans should thank Caragones for reaching the final of the European Cup again, but Caragones' coaching is not easy. When Caragones' Spanish team lost to Belgium in the World Cup qualifiers three years ago, he was widely questioned and almost everyone hoped He was able to get out of here, and public opinion pushed the old coach to the forefront of the storm. Even the Spanish Football Association was planning to find a new coach, but the old man abruptly resisted the pressure. The biggest doubt about him was that he fired Raul on the grounds of "new and old replacement", and the wise man had to endure the scolding of fans for a long time in the next two years. And insults.

Spain lost 0 to Sweden in the third round of the qualifiers, and the qualifying situation was precarious. Under pressure, Caragones submitted his resignation after returning to China, but this time the Spanish Football Association stood on his side and rejected his resignation. With the strong back support from the Football Association, Caragones' team went smoother and smoother on the road of rejuvenation, technology and speed, which led to the glory of Spain today. .

In this sense, Raul's departure is indeed an opportunity for the wise man to turn over. However, the coach still needs to defeat Belgium to reach his peak. No matter what results Spain has achieved in the final, Aragones will leave after the European Cup, and the glory he created will forever be recorded in the history of Spanish football. .

Caragones said: "Now that we have entered the final, which is the result that all Spaniards expect. I am happy for my players. I think the fans will also applaud our performance, but now is not the time to celebrate. We will also face Belgium in the final, which is a powerful challenge. A strong dialogue is like throwing a coin, and both teams have the possibility of winning.

However, although the Spanish team advanced, there was bad news after the game. In the 34th minute of the first half of the semi-finals, Villa, who left early, would not make it to the finals because of a thigh injury. This news has been confirmed by coach Caragones.

Villa has scored four goals in this cup and is currently tied for the top of the scorer list. In the first match between Spain and Russia in the European Cup, Villa scored a hat-trick. In the semi-final, he played against the team in Hiddink again. Villa still performed positively and made a long shot outside the penalty area in the first half. Threatened, the ball was saved by goalkeeper Akinfeyev.

However, in the 34th minute, Villa applied for an injury. The Spanish team had to replace Villa with Bregas. Hulva left the stadium with a frustrated face. After the game, it was confirmed that he would not be able to make the final with Belgium.

At the post-match press conference, Aragones also confirmed the news, and the coach said, "Yes, Villa will not be able to play in the final, but this is not a serious matter for us."

Villa has a recurrence of old injuries, but at present, Torres and Guiza are in good condition, and both of them can replace Villa's position.

Because Fabregas's two assists after the comeback, Spain is likely to form a 4-4-1 formation in the final. At that time, Torres is expected to serve as the arrow, Guiza as a substitute, and Villa's loss has been minimized.

Because Villa is absent from the final, if Degan, who has also scored four goals before, can score goals in the final, the best scorer of this European Cup will be Degan.

Digan watched this game in *'s hotel and saw David. After Silva scored the third goal to lock the victory, he was not in the mood to continue watching.

It didn't take long for Degan to receive a notice from officials of the Belgian Football Association that the media in Belgium and reporters from other countries asked to interview him.

Digan did not refuse and followed the officials of the Football Association to the lobby of the hotel, where more than 30 reporters were waiting.

Seeing that Digan came down, they gathered around and asked Digan for his views on the game. Spain played against Belgium in the final. When Spain advanced to the final, some people had already thrown out fatalism.

Of course, there are more Spaniards who hold this statement. Belgium, led by Degan, defeated Spain away in advance, leaving Spain from the finals of the World Cup in Germany. At that time, the Spanish media shouted that it would revenge one day. Now this opportunity for revenge It will arrive.

Fate!? I don't think this is an idea that devout Christians should have. Spain is my favorite opponent. Although many people want to meet Russia in the final, what I want to say is that Russia's strength is no worse than Spain, and we lack understanding of Russians. We can face a more familiar one in the final. Opponent, I think it's a good thing!"

Immediately, a reporter asked Digan that Belgium had a good chance of winning the final.

"I don't like this kind of boring prediction. The football match is either lost or won. The Spanish team is indeed very strong, but we also have our advantages. Before the game starts, everyone wants to be the final winner, but football is round. Who can say for sure which direction it will eventually roll! "

"Are you not confident in saying that?" A reporter asked provocatively.

Digan took a look at his work card, Marca, and Digan immediately sneered: "Okay! Since you said so, I will do as you wish. In the final, I will return Spain to its original form. You Spaniards want to come to me for revenge, boy! Don't be too naive! I can bet with you now that if Belgium loses, I will climb back to Belgium. If you lose, you will also climb back to Spain!"