Russia vs Spain

This is one of the most evenly matched battles we are going to see.

Russia may have lost 1-4 to Spain at the group stage, but Russia with their targetman Arshavin, who introduces a creative side to the Russians' game, they are formidable and had even trumped pre-knockout stage favourites Netherlands.

Russia has already performed over the odds, thanks to Guus Hiddink. Now I am really impressed with this manager, whom I now regard as one of the best international managers in recent history, alongside Luiz Felipe Scolari and Marcello Lippi, with Jurgen Klinsmann also a great manager.

As for the best manager at this tournament... :

1) Guus Hiddink
2) Fatih Terim
3) Marco van Basten

Now to the match.

I think it will be as closely fought as the other semi-final, which as I had predicted, Germany clocked a 1-goal winning margin, in the dying seconds. Fabregas needs to start the game, as he creates opportunities and also shields his defence. He is really a Central Midfielder. Arshavin should spearhead Russia's challenge, as expected. He is turning into the star player of the tournament, with Lukas Podolski and some others among challengers.

Men to watch:

Andrei Arshavin
His contribution to the squad cannot be underestimated. Before he returned for the match against Sweden, Russia looked rather out of sorts. They were whacked by Spain. And then they squeezed laboriously to knock holders Greece out. Then Arshavin returned and outclassed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his counterpart, in the last group game. Then the win against Netherlands, whom had seemed unstoppable. He dictates the tempo and play of the game, and has a knack for creating chances and plundering goals when the time arrives. This is the kind of striker I like; able to score and assist, not like Ruud van Nisterooy and many others.

Cesc Fabregas
He scored the penalty that sent Spain through to the semi-finals of a major competition for the first time since 20 years ago. But make no fuss about that. Whoever else scored the penalty to send a team through is always overhyped as a hero. But Fabregas is starting to push for a spot in the starting lineup, which could cause Xavi Hernandez to be relegated to the bench, as Marcos Senna's defensive shield complements both of these 2 players. He is not a good scorer of goals; make no mistake. But he is really good at sliding the ball through for a teammate to get through on goal. A man to watch, especially if he starts.

Guus Hiddink
His tactical nous has been really impressive. He has a strong case for the best manager award. He has performed some sort of miracle at each of the nations he had coached in, namely South Korea, Australia, and now Russia. Don't include Netherlands, because Netherlands itself is a lready a strong soccer nation, unlike the rest. Guus is inspired by challenges, and that may well be the motivation for such miracles. Arshavin will surely be involved, but whether Russia will play counter-attacks, or any other strategy, we won't be sure. We will, however, be sure that Guus will not get it wrong like Scolari did against Germany.

So the big question. Who will win and face Germany for the highly coveted trophy. I would say the team with the greater desire will win this match. Spain wants to end many years of hurt. Russia wants to emulate Greece, and stun the whole of European football. The best motivator at the Euro tournament is by far Fatih Terim of Turkey. If Spain scores first, they may well go through. But if Russia take the lead in the second half, Spain may start to lose patience and lose. But whatever happens in the first half should not be too significant. This tournament, thanks to Turkey, has witnessed the most important events in the dying moments.

My prediction: 2-1 to Russia, or Spain to draw and win on penalties.