1-2. The winning goal in extra time was deserved for Spain, who started the game in a convincing way with good football and an early goal. In the second part of the first half, Sweden took over and Ibrahimovic scored the equalizer. Without Ibrahimovic, the Swedish team played to prevent a second Spanish goal after the break. Spain didn't seem to find the gap until Villa showed up.
Puyol, Xavi and Iniesta started the game. After 25 minutes, Puyol got injured and was replaced by Albiol. At the hour, Xavi and Iniesta were replaced by Cesc and Cazorla.
Xavi picked up his good performance from the first match and was perfect in his role as playmaker during the first twenty minutes, later he was marked more closely and with the Swedes going forward he had to do some more dirty work. Iniesta didn't play a good game, had again problems coming into the match and particpated very little. The defence missed Puyol as a leader when he had to leave the pitch.
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2 comments:
Shambolic refereeing! I'm sure Vinnie Jones would be impressed by Elmander's tackle of Silva! then with Spain still threatening to score, so close to the Swedish box the ref blows the halftime whistle. Incredible! A much deserved win for Spain, but I hope we don't see this referee again in the tournament!
I also hope Puyol's ok? So far he's been our best defensive player. If Russia beats Greece I would imagine that means Spains wins Group D? If so, hopefully Aragones will rest up his starters and at the same time avoid Holland until the semis at least...if we get that far.
The referee had a very arrogant attitude. And it clearly was a penalty, we won't see this guy further in the tournament anymore.
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