Spain beats Russia, moves into final

VIENNA, Austria – Please don’t tell Spain it has been made an odds-on choice to win the European Championship.

The Spaniards scored three second-half goals Thursday to beat Russia 3-0 and reach the final for the first time in 24 years, giving the team a chance to shed its status as one of soccer’s biggest underachievers.

“For many years we haven’t won anything, while Germany is always up there fighting for the titles,” said Xavi Hernandez, who scored Spain’s first goal. “So I would say Germany is the favorite.”

Dani Guiza and David Silva also scored to give the Spaniards a shot at their second European title on Sunday at Ernst Happel Stadium. Spain, which won the 1964 European tournament, ended its run of five quarterfinal defeats by beating Italy in a penalty shootout Sunday. It confirmed its title aspirations with a penetrating passing attack on a slick surface in pouring rain against Russia.

“It was difficult, especially the first half. I think it was an extraordinary second half,” Spain coach Luis Aragones said. “That’s what we wanted, to be in the final. But there’s an adversary called Germany, that is going to be interesting.”

The Spaniards and Germans have not played a competitive match since a 1-1 draw in the 1994 World Cup. Overall, Germany has won eight of 19 meetings, with Spain taking five and six draws. In competitive games, it is 4-1-2 for Germany.

Germany beat Turkey 3-2 on Thursday and is seeking a record fourth Euro title.

Spain will face Germany without striker David Villa, who was injured while taking a free kick in the first half. Villa is the tournament’s leading scorer with four goals.