Written By: Nasrun Min Ullah Mir

A dazzling hat-trick from David Villa opened Spanish carnival in Euro 2008 in a great style at Innsbruck this Tuesday. This is probably not the first time when fans expected a lot from the Spaniards. The country is a big under-performer on international scene, even when they have a history of producing some of the finest players. But, so far their sole success was way back in 1964 when they hosted the European Cup and won it, defeating the Soviet Union 2-1. Last night’s dashing effort against Russia showed some traces of resurgence from that old deadlock. 

 

The victory against Russia also revealed the power of this Valencia striker. He became the seventh player to have a trio in the cup finals. Last time it was Patrick Kluivert who had a threesome against Yugoslavia eight years back.

 

This 26-year-old Spaniard displayed utter class against Russia. Villa’s second goal in particular was a combination of great team work and maverick skills. His combination with Fernando Torres was impeccable. The duo looked unbeatable on field, creating some lovely moves. In the second half team work, Villa’s moves with Xavi Hernandez and substitute Cesc Fabregas must have made Luis Aragones, the Spanish coach proud.

 

His skills melted the young Russian castle from pillar to pillar, and a dual combination with Torres was enough to seal the victory at the end of the first half only. It was not that the Russians were lame ducks, but this Spanish side produced a marvelous football which was full of intent.

 

This Spanish side has a different approach unlike their predecessors who hold a sorry history with them. The side has that killing ability and most importantly they play as a team – not just like a bunch of talented footballers who look for personal glory. That is why the hero of the night rushed to fellow compatriot Torres after completing his hat-trick to dedicate his triumph to him.

Torres had an influential presence on the first two goals of Villa. In the 20th minute a great move led by Joan Capdevila’s and Liverpool’s ace striker Torres created a lovely pass for Villa who rolled the ball into the net. The second strike by Villa was a combination of speed and precision – brilliant or simply brutal and effective. 

 
His trio got completed with a cool finish on a brilliant ball from Fabregas. To show that he is a real teammate, he created a move to cap off Fabregas’ first goal for his country and the day’s last.      

Score it

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• Posted: 30 Aug 2008
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