Spain won this one pretty much in first gear, much more fluent than the Portuguese team, and had they needed to I think they could've had a couple more, mainly an excercise in getting the right result to help the cause & done professionally

solid game from spain, they prove they are the favourites in the group. russia played well in the first half but then went down, at the end the players looked not so good physically

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sempre contra a corrente do jogo

The first half was excellent to watch, Spain dominated for 20 minutes and deserved a lead after so many chances, but Russia gradually grew in confidence and hit the Spanish on the break, seriously coming into the game towards half-time.

After such a frantic first half the players must have been tired, but Spain's class eventually got them the lead they deserved. The result probably flattered Russia, they were outclassed.

Vicente and Etxeberria looked very lively on the flanks, the Spanish defence looked fairly solid with the exception of Raul Bravo at left back, who was predictably useless. I think Spain have the qualities to go far in this tournament, but they need to be more clinical in front of goal because sides like Italy or France will not give them that many opportunities.

Cheers for Spain !

I think spain is the best team in the group but and russia did a good job playign against them, i think russia has a good chance of beating portugal and greece

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I didn't like the match... The first 20 minutes were OK, but once they get tired the only one who plays football was Vicente... I think if Spain plays with Xabi Alonso from the beginning they play much better. And Raul Bravo is not a good player, but is the best left defender in spanish team (not the best in Spain).

Russia would have more chance if they put Mostovoi in the bench, he has done nothing this season.

Bloody hell, that Russian squad needs some spanking. Replays were all I needed to see - the team needs to be spanked! They were unorganized and playing bad for much of the game, and the only thing that kept them in it were some brilliant saves of their keeper. Russia is pretty much done, they will not advance, unfortunately ...

spain will be 2004 champs

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shokk my madness says what i must do