Aragones hails Spanish effort

Veteran tactician ready for glorious send-off

Last updated: 26th June 2008

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Aragones: Looking forward to Sunday

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Luis Aragones praised his Spain side after watching them put on a fine second half display against Russia to book a place in Sunday's Euro 2008 final.

On a rainy night in Vienna, Spain excelled after a goalless first half as strikes from Xavi, David Silva and substitute Daniel Guiza saw off a Russian side that struggled to recapture the form of their quarter-final defeat of Holland.

Germany are their opponents in the final after they scraped past Turkey in Wednesday's other semi-final and veteran tactician Aragones is already looking forward to pitting his wits against Joachim Low.

"It was difficult, especially the first half. I think it was an extraordinary second half," he concluded.

"That's what we wanted, to be in the final. But there's an adversary called Germany, that is going to be interesting."

Aragones went on to concede the tournament's top goalscorer David Villa will miss the final after he limped off 35 minutes into the 3-0 victory with a leg injury.

Cesc Fabregas replaced the Valencia man and excelled in setting up Spain's second and final goal and should he be given the nod, the Arsenal man is confident of producing again in an unfamiliar advanced role behind Fernando Torres.

"We came here to win the title, and the most difficult match is to come," said the 21-year-old.

"It was kind of strange coming on that early and also as I am not a natural striker a strange position for me to take up.

"Will I play in the final? Well he (Luis Aragones) is the boss and I will be there if he needs me."