Soccer Slant

Spain’s spectacular 4-1 victory over Russia in the opening match of group D raised the nation’s expectations in Euro 2008. Everyone was curious to see how the team would build on the victory ahead of the match against a Swedish National Team that had overcome the impenetrable wall that is the Greek defense – a wall that carried them to European glory four years ago - mostly through the brilliance of its one outstanding player, the precocious and irreverent Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The match began much like the one against Russia, with Spain channeling the ball through the dependable feet of Xavi, comfortably holding possession but struggling to produce that incisive pass that would split open the defense. Nevertheless the opening act was encouraging because Spain were dominating and Ibrahimovic had largely been neutralized.

The reward for Spain came after a cleverly worked corner kick in the 20^th minute. Xavi played it short to David Villa near the by-line, whose one timed pass found David Silva at the top of the box. After collecting the ball with his left foot he scanned the box, looking for a teammate. Fernando Torres finished the mid-level cross with his sole, or his soul; it doesn’t matter. The strike caught the Swedish keeper, Andreas Isaksson, off guard and sent the Spanish fans into delirium.

What looked like another comfortable victory for Spain quickly turned sour. Shortly after the goal, Carles Puyol, Spain’s leader at the back, limped off with pain in his foot. The young Raul Albiol replaced him alongside Carlos Marchena. The event seemed to awaken Sweden, and especially Ibrahimovic. The Inter striker has an air of misunderstood genius, the genius side of which he undoubtedly possesses. He began to display his infinite resources with a brilliant, no-look chipped pass toward Henrik Larsson, who squandered the chance. Shortly after, Ibrahimovic pulled down what appeared to be a relatively innocuous cross, calmly rode Sergio Ramos’s innocent and unfortunate challenge, and then willed the ball passed Iker Casillas.

That goal exposed what many feel is Spain’s glaring weakness: the defense. The players on the field seemed to have the same fears that all of its fans felt. The next chunk of the game saw a timid Spanish reaction, with Sweden controlling the possession. Spain finally awoke with a good volley from Villa that Isaksson handled comfortably. Building on that chance and consequent possession Spain, at the stroke of halftime, produced their best chance to lead once more. Silva was crushed by Johan Ellmander’s “striker’s challenge” in the box, and the replays showed that the penalty claims were legitimate.

The Swedish were content with the tie, however, and in the second half they completely handed Spain the initiative. Ibrahimovic being removed during the intermission due to either injury or injury-prevention certainly didn’t help the Swedish attack. The Swedes had complained bitterly after the Greeks employed negative tactics; now they were guilty of the same, and Spain struggled to find in-roads in the face of a rugged Swedish defense. Luis Aragones decided to take off Xavi and Iniesta, each of whom had a very discreet match, in favor of Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas. The switch gave Spain more verticality, but only just.

The breakthrough finally came in injury time. A hopeful long ball to nowhere from Joan Capdevila was chased down by Villa. After the deftest of touches put the ball between the Swedish defender’s legs, Villa slotted it passed Isaksson. 2-1 and delirium ensued.

David Villa, the hero once again.