Spain reached the European Championship final for the first time in 24 years

Thursday with a convincing 3-0 win over Russia, Spain reached the European Championship final for the first time in 24 years to set up a meeting with Germany in Sunday's Euro 2008 decider.

Spain beat Russia 4-1 in the group stage two weeks ago and was the better side again on Thursday, totally deserving their triumph because their midfield dominated and created plenty of chances for the front men.

Spain's breakthrough in an absorbing match came five minutes into the second half when Iniesta cut in from the left and found Xavi who had lost his markers. He took his chance brilliantly to put Spain ahead and on the way to their first final since they lost to France in 1984.

Guiza replaced Fernando Torres up front after 69 minutes and took only four minutes to strike after being set up by midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who had a huge influence after replacing the injured David Villa after 35 minutes.

Xavi scored with a superbly taken opportunist volley at a rainswept Ernst Happel stadium to give Spain a deserved 1-0 lead after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza made no mistake when he beat the offside trap to make it 2-0 after 73 minutes. Cesc Fabregas set up David Silva to make it 3-0 eight minutes from time.

Spain, who stretched their unbeaten run to 21 matches, will be attempting to be crowned European champions for the first time since their only success in 1964.