Aragonés enjoys Spanish waltz

'Scouse Spaniards'
Asked about pictures of Sergio Ramos in an Innsbruck nightclub in the pre-match press conference, Aragonés retorted that he himself had a love of disco music and flamenco; perhaps a belated attempt to distance himself from the Zapatones (flat foot) nickname he developed as a prolific striker for Club Atlético de Madrid. There was little flat-footed in Spain's early play, however. Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández strutted imperiously in the heart of midfield, dictating the rhythm, as David Silva and Fernando Torres waltzed along the flanks, and the Liverpool FC forward soon broke the deadlock. The fans sat behind the 'Scouse Spaniards' banner leapt with delight, but it did not take long for the Spanish contingent's super fan Manolo 'El del Bombo' and his huge drum to reassume rabble rousing duties.

Ibrahimović cool
Yet Sweden's own fans were far from silent at the other end, and as the icy early-evening winds blew down the Nordkette, Serles and Patscherkofel mountains that frame the city, their players warmed up. Peripheral until then, Zlatan Ibrahimović slipped into his mercurial best and by the 34th-minute he had restored parity. The FC Internzionale Milano man did not emerge after half-time, however, a critical loss just as Sweden were threatening to impose themselves. The Swedes among the 30,772 crowd uttered a collective groan as the announcement was made, but that was a disservice to replacement Markus Rosenberg as Lars Lägerback's side continued to dictate the play. Indeed, ten minutes into the second half and it was Aragonés camped in his technical area, enacting a lone foxtrot as he shouted instructions to his players. Once completely in-synch, Spain were struggling to find their shape.

New partnership
Aragonés opted for fresh legs, making the unusual step of replacing the central midfielders – Xavi and Iniesta – who had been so influential in the 4-1 win against Russia four days ago and again in the opening half-hour tonight. On came Cesc Fàbregas and Santi Cazorla, and Spain regained their grip. It took Andreas Isaksson bravery and commitment from Daniel Andersson to keep Sweden level, and they looked to have made their point before, two minutes into added time, Joan Capdevila sent a long ball forward and David Villa tucked in his fourth in two UEFA EURO 2008™ games. Spain's supporters rose from their seats as Sweden's behind the goal sank into theirs. Still in his technical area Aragonés leapt for joy, turned around and finally returned to his seat on the bench. All danced out.