Euro 2008 semi-final, 7.45pm, ITV1, bet here

Guus Hiddink may be the miracle man of international football, but he won’t want to shout too loudly about his record in semi-finals. Typically, he guides his sides to the last four and then, just as everyone starts getting overexcited, promptly loses. This time, it’s Spain who are going to bring the big old Dutchman to tears. Here’s why…

Nine reasons why Spain will beat Russia…

1. Spain are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Russia, winning four and drawing three.

2. Not since a 2-1 win in Moscow in 1971, have Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) enjoyed victory against Spain.

3. The sides met in the group stages of this summer’s tournament, with Spain emerging as convincing 4-1 victors.

4. On the three previous occasions that teams have met twice in the same tournament (Portugal/Greece Euro 2004, Brazil/Turkey World Cup 2002 and Germany/Czech Republic Euro 1996) the side that won the first contest have always gone on to win the second as well.

5. Spain’s goalless draw with Italy extended their unbeaten run to twenty matches. Aragones’ men