Russia's Likely Line-Up (4-4-1-1): Young goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev will continue in goal for the Russians, and will hope to stop the freeflows of goals in that first group game. CSKA Moscow stars Yuri Zhirkov and Sergei Ignashevich will definitely start at left-back and centre back respectively, with the latter the commander in defence. Offensive full-back Aleksandr Aniukov will play at right-back, continuing from the quarters match, adding much offensive flair and runs down his flank. Denis Kolodin will also very much feature, and if this semi goes to penalties, he'll surely be one of those who takes the pressure kick.

Creative midfielder Konstatin Zurianov will play in midfield, his experience will definitely help in calming the nerves of the younger Russians in this epic game. Former-forward Igor Semshov will take his place in midfield. Another experienced head, he'll hope to hold the midfield well against the likes of Spain's Andreas Iniesta and Xavi. Another over-thirties midfielder in Sergei Semak will be the holding midfielder at hope to stop David Silva's runs. Hot property Diniya Bilyaletdinov is good with the ball at his feet and unpredictable with his movement, and will most likely start to give Hiddink another midfield player.

He's so good, he's a star, he's getting his own paragraph. I know he won't care, okay?! Playmaker Andrei Arshavin, can't really see he is 27... with his baby-face, will be the main man and the one who will pull the strings for the Russians. If he doesn't deliver, the Russians will most likely not, and Hiddink should surely have a plan should the unthinkable happens. He's runs and passing will surely be a handful for Marcos Senna.

Russia's top scorer Roman Pavluchenko will be one to look out for. He's strong, a little pacey and powerful in the air, the perfect combination for most strikers, a handful for the Spanish defence. He's presence can alone panic Carlos Puyol and co.. He'll have to hold the ball up well for the midfielders to support him.

Spain's Likely Line-Up (4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3): Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, and also the hero of the quarters, will almost certainly start. Barcelona captain Carles Puyol will also start and command his defence, with Valencia's Carlos Marchena beside him. Goal-scoring left-back Joan Capdevila will continue in defence with Madrid's Sergio Ramos also continuing at right-back., giving Aragones a solid defence that he has used for most of the tournament. Good chemistry, you know... =)

Barce's midfield duo and creative forces Xavi and Andres Iniesta will surely start, but back-up Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla calling for starts, but one or two of them will surely come on as a sub. Villareal's Marcos Senna will be holding off the Russian invasion and having an eye on Andrei Arshavin especially.

Valencia's wonderkid David Silva will appear on either flank or running through the middle, a nightmare for the Russian defenders. He has a good shot in him, definitely can dribble and also has a winger's cross, rightly so, since he can play on the wing. His diminutive size gives him a nice balance and agility. He'll be one to watch in the years to come.

His team-mate, David Villa, will also start alongside Liverpool hotshot Fernando Torres. Both are very composed, and also great finishers in front of goal. Clinical and deadly, this Spanish duo will be the envy of most European nations. Both are very pacey too and can dribble well, especially the latter. Torres is also quite surprisingly good in the air, with Villa better at long shots, and is more of a passer compared to Torres.


So I'm cheerin' on Spain for the win. Guus Hiddink will definitely be plotting against them now. But... In this game of football, no one knows, really. Hope the amount of goals will equal the number in the first game!!

Bye~!