Rubén clinches group honours for Spain
Saturday, May 10, 2008
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Republic of Ireland 1-3 Spain
Rubén came on with Spain trailing and scored twice before setting up Keko to secure Group B top spot.
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Rubén intervention
Already confirmed as finishing fourth at kick-off after two defeats, Ireland were playing for pride and took an early lead through Conor Hourihane. But Rubén, filling the No9 shirt worn last year by FC Barcelona colleague Bojan Krkić, turned the game with two superb strikes and provided Keko with the clincher which ensured Spain finished above France on goal difference and set up a Tuesday semi-final with the Netherlands.
Early chance
Ireland's team, which included previously injured John Dunleavy in defence, nearly gave their loyal band of supporters something to cheer on three minutes. Aaron Doran broke through but was denied by Spain goalkeeper Angel Díez, given a first finals start ahead of Álex.
Ireland ahead
Angel Díez was beaten on the quarter-hour. Conor Clifford picked up the ball after Gavin Gunning's throw-in on the left and slid through a perfect diagonal pass that Hourihane finished with aplomb. However, falling behind was the cue for Spain to take control of the match but Ireland were holding firm, Gerard anley diving to save after Martín burst through, and again from Keko's strong shot.
Equaliser
Rubén, on a booking, had been rested up front in favour of the two-goal Matchday 1 hero against Switzerland, Sergi, but the two were swapped at the break and the substitute swiftly came close with a free-kick. In the end seven minutes was all Rubén needed to open his tournament account, Keko jinking in the area and passing for the striker to beat Hanley with a left-footed shot.
Victory
Hanley stopped another Rubén effort but his second goal soon followed, a low-curling free-kick from the edge of the area worthy of any level of football. Ireland refused to be beaten and Hourihane smashed a drive on to the underside of the crossbar. The ball also fell nicely to substitute Robert Brady who shot over, but Spain had the last word, Rubén returning the favour for the first goal by setting up Keko to produce a neat finish, ensuring Spain avoid facing hosts Turkey in the last four.