A brilliant David Villa played the first hat-trick of the Euro 2008 tournament as Spain slaughtered Russia 4-1 in their Group D opener on Tuesday.
The perfect opening performance will definitely add to their confidence as the much-fancied side are looking to the first major trophy in 34 years.
Valencia striker Villa was in terrifying form, contributing two first-half goals, a superb solo and also helping with Cesc Fabaregas' injury time fourth as tens of thousands of Spanish fans enjoyed their carnival at a rain-soaked Stadion Tivoli Neu.
Roman Pavlyuchenko, Russia's lone forward up front, headed in a corner four minutes from time for Russia's consolation.
A summer thunderstorm were pouring over the 30,000 capacity spectacular stadium located in mountains but Spain's enthusiasm for glory were not dampened.
Villa hit in the 21st and 45th minute respectively to gain Spain a comfortable two goals edge before the restart.
For the first, his attacking partner Fernando Torres penetrated Russia's defence in the left before moving the ball sideways for him to roll in an empty net.
The second came after the 27-year-old beat an offside trap to convert a Andres Iniesta pass.
Luis Aragones' men went into complete domination after the restart as Fabaregas, substitute for starting Fernando Torres, and Villa tested Russia's keeper Igor Akinfeev in roll.
Villa completed his treble on 75 minutes as he twisted and turned his way into the penalty area before slotting into the corner of the net.
Fabregas shared the shine as he offered the wonderful pass with Russia's defence out of position.
But Russia, without suspended playmaker Andrei Arshavin and injured key scorer Pavel Pogrebnyak, were not coming out afraid of attack as their manager Guus Hiddink had promised an aggressive approach.
They might have levelled for 1-1 right after Villa's first goal, but Roman Pavlyuchenko eventually slammed a shot against the foot of the post with Iker Casillas nowhere.
Russia showed few glimpses of talents in the latter half including a 81st minute Pavlyuchenko shot from 25 yards that whistled just past Casillas' left-hand post.
He made up five minutes later, nodding in Konstantin Zyryanov's corner which flicked on at the near post.
But there was still time for Villa to lob into the path of Xavi, whose volley from 15 yards was parried up into the air before Cesc Fabregas headed the rebound home.
Source: Xinhua
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