Spain ease past lacklustre Russia

Xavi, David Guiza and David Silva grabbed second-half goals to stun the Russians and end 24 years of underachievement during which they have not reached the final of a major competition.

There was concern over David Villa after the tournament's top scorer was replaced before the break after picking up a knock but Cesc Fabregas came on and set up the final two goals and will now be pushing for a starting place.

Luis Aragones' success means the end of the road for Guus Hiddink and Russia. The Dutchman insisted that winning or losing did not matter given the style in which they play but they simply ran out of steam in the second half and Andrei Arshavin struggled to impose himself on the game.

Xavi's opener came in the 50th minute from a move he started himself as he surged forward. The Barcelona midfielder slipped the ball left to Andres Iniesta and carried on his run into the penalty area.

Iniesta's ball split the Russia defence, finding his team-mate at close range from goal and his volleyed finish was stabbed through Igor Akinfeev's legs.

The win was sealed 17 minutes from time through Guiza, who replaced Fernando Torres six minutes before he struck.

It was set up by Fabregas, who chipped delicately over the Russia defence, leaving Guiza to coolly lift the ball over Akinfeev.

Fabregas also set up Silva's goal, with the winger slotting home after Fabregas had raced down the left.

Guiza could have added a fourth but Akinfeev saved with his legs when the substitute ran through and got a shot away.