Spain moved a step closer to losing their underachiever tag after claiming a much-deserved 3-0 victory over dark horses Russia to reach EURO 2008 final. Three second-half goals from Xavi Hernandez, substitute Daniel Guiza and David Silva condemned Russia to a heavy defeat. Spain, whose only major triumph is winning the European Cup in 1964, will face three-time European champions Germany in the finale on Sunday. Chances were few and far between in a dull first-half as both sides adopted a cautious approach. Sergio Ramos was Spain's liveliest performer, beating Yuri Zhirkov on several one-on-ones. However, his selfishness denied him from making a notable impact as he opted to shoot goalwards whenever he had a chance to whip in crosses. Andrei Arshavin, Russia's inspirational player, was kept at bay by Spain's solid defenders. Russia's sole chance in the first half came in the 31st minute when Spain's in-form keeper Iker Casillas tipped away Roman Pavlyuchenko's top corner-bound curler. Spain were dealt a major blow when their top scorer, David Villa, sustained an injury. He made way for Cesc Fabregas. Spain's Domination Spain were by far the better side in the second half, outplaying Russia in every aspect of the game. They deservedly went ahead in the 50th minute when Andres Iniesta's attempted shot came across the box and found Xavi, who converted it between the legs of Igor Akinfeev. Luis Aragones opted to take off the below-par Fernando Torres, who wasted several clear-cut chances. He introduced Primera Liga top scorer Daniel Guiza, who scored Spain's winner against Greece in the group stage. Guiza repaid his coach's faith in the 73rd minute when he chested Fabregas' neat chip before calmly knocking the ball over Akinfeev and into the net. Impressive winger Silva completed the rout seven minutes from time after he controlled Fabregas cross inside the area before firing home with aplomb.
