Spain cruise to win against Russia

Liga de Quito get one hand on the Copa Libertadores

Lippi re-appointed to replace Donadoni

Norwich City sign Wes Hoolahan

Spain produced a superb display to cruise past Russia and set up a Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday.

Xavi turned home Andres Iniesta’s cross after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza converted a superb pass from Fabregas with 17 minutes left. David Silva scored the third after 82 minutes from another Fabregas pass.

Fabregas was the driving force behind the win after coming on as substitute for injured David Villa, who will now miss the final clash with Germany in Vienna.

Ecuador’s Liga de Quito edged one step closer to clinching its first ever Copa Libertadores championship on Wednesday, topping Brazilian club Fluminense 4-2 at home in the first leg of the finals.

Playing in front of 43,000 at an altitude of 2,800 metres above sea Liga took the lead through Claudio Bieler after just two minutes. Fluminense equalised in the 11th minute with a free kick by Dario Conca.

Joffre Guerron scored Liga’s second goal in the 28th minute and Jairo Campos knocked in the third goal in the 33rd minute before Patricio Urrutia sealed the win in the 45th minute. Fluminense’s Thiago Neves’ grabbed a 51st-minute consolation goal for the Brazilian club.

The two teams, both debuting in the Libertadores finals will meet again for the deciding final leg at Rio de Janeiro on July 2.
Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has been re-appointed after Roberto Donadoni’s contract was not extended. Donadoni left after Italy went out of Euro 2008 when they lost to Spain on penalties in the quarter-final.

Norwich City have signed Blackpool midfielder Wes Hoolahan in a deal worth £250,000, with Canaries goalkeeper Matt Gilks moving in the other direction. Republic of Ireland international left-winger Hoolahan, 26, joined Blackpool from Livingston in 2006.

Kevin Taylor