Spain take matters into their own hands at Euro 2008

By Simon Baskett

INNSBRUCK (Reuters) - Spain have developed a habit of bemoaning their ill fortune at major championships but their progress at Euro 2008 suggests that they have decided to take matters into their own hands and make their own luck.

Their 2-1 victory over Sweden in Innsbruck on Saturday ensured them a place in the quarter-finals as group winners and will help erase the memory of their painful first-round exit in Portugal four years ago.

Spain took a deserved lead through a clever improvised shot from Fernando Torres, only to see Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalise 11 minutes before the break. They then had a strong penalty appeal turned down just before halftime.

In the past the frustration might have got the better of Spain but not this time. They kept plugging away in the second half and finally got their reward deep into stoppage time.

The in-form David Villa, who struck a hat-trick in Spain's opening 4-1 win over Russia, outwitted two defenders as he chased down a hopeful upfield hoof and then produced a characteristically cool finish to steer the ball home.

Villa's opportunism and his side's refusal to settle for a draw is testament to the team's powerful self belief, patience and determination.

The winning goals in five out of Spain's last six games have come in the last 13 minutes.

CONFIDENCE BOOST