Spain book a date with Germany this Sunday

Apparently, the team who convincingly defeated Holland last week were playing a match against Spain in Vienna last night. I’ve been studying the video above to discover whether this was the case, but I’m still not entirely convinced. Either way, it looks like Guus Hiddink’s sterling record of never reaching an international final rages on…

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

It’s all quiet on the rumour and gossip front today, folks

It’s a slow day transfer-wise, but we are pleased to announce that the podgy Egyptian forward Mido is no longer on the Marlon Brando career path. After apologising to Boro fans for weighing more than a medium sized aircraft last season, he has shed two stone. Bravo, sir.

Elsewhere, a former Newcastle player could be heading for military combat, and Lamps is still deciding if he should run off into the sunset with the Special One…

Emre Belezoğlu to the army
The Newcastle midfielder was depressed enough about the prospect of going back to Turkey to play for Fenerbahce, but now he may miss out on football altogether as he is wanted by his country’s army.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Who are they at war with anyway?

Alexander Hleb to Barcelona
It looks like Hleb’s heart is set on a move to quiet, peaceful Barcelona after feeling violated by the harshness of noisy London. (It’ll be fantastic when he realises the Spanish city is pretty much the noisiest place in the world.)

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Looks like he’s ready to pull a Reyes

Frank Lampard to Inter
Chelsea would love to give him £135,000-a-week but soon-to-be-30 Frank Lampard wants it for four straight years, while

Wave bye-bye to Avram, everyone

Things aren’t going so well for Mr Expressionless. Chelsea fans are pining for The Special One while watching underwhelming performances, while Grant’s fellow countryman Tal Ben Haim has lashed out at him in today’s press. With all the negativity at the club at the moment, is it any wonder that David Villa is now setting his sights on Arsenal instead?

So it seems that Avram Grant will be looking for a new job in May (if not sooner), and the current favourite to take his place is Guus Hiddink. After Chelsea’s embarrassing loss to Barnsley last month, Spoiler readers said they favoured the Dutchman, but do you all feel the same now? Votes and comments below, please.