The red storm blew itself out last night as the second semi final was lit up by flashes of Fàbregas brilliance equal in intensity to the lightning that flickered in the Austrian night sky.

This was the most anticipated game of the tournament, featuring teams that have produced two of its finest performances. Russia’s quarter final defeat of the Netherlands made the continent sit up and take notice while, ironically, Spain’s standout display was a 4-1 victory against Russia in their group match.

Logic (along with all the pundits) suggested that this wouldn’t be another three-goal win for the Spaniards. The Russians were a different team. After all, they had their talisman, Andrei Arshavin, back in the side and they’d gained fresh confidence after a shaky start.

But what do we all know? Arshavin was anonymous (maybe he’d started to believe his own press) and Russia were porous. And of course, this meant only one thing: a three-goal win for Spain.

The early minutes proved a perfect barometer for how the match was to unfold. Spain dominated in the attacking third, with both Torres and Villa causing problems, while Russia weaved pretty patterns in the midfield without creating any serious chances.

In fact the only concerning moment for Spain came just before half time when Villa, the tournament’s top-scorer, had to leave the action with an injury seemingly inflicted while taking a free kick. However, they had no need to worry because the introduction of the lively Fàbregas and the redeployment of Torres into the lone-striker role he fills with great success for Liverpool actually increased the Spanish threat.

Sure enough, five minutes into the second half the Barcelona duo of Iniesta and Xavi combined to show their club that their potential purchase of Arshavin isn't at all necessary. And while the impish Russian striker sunk without trace in a Viennese deluge, the confidence Guus Hiddink’s team had taken from their last two performances visibly drained from them.

As time ticked away, the Russians’ half-hearted attempts to equalise were dealt two killer blows, both orchestrated by Fàbregas. First the Arsenal playmaker set up substitute Daniel Güiza to make it 2-0 and then, with less than ten minutes remaining, he put the finishing touches on his bid to start the final by threading an eye-of-the-needle pass to David Silva for the Valencia flyer to slot past Igor Akinfeev.

So Russia’s young team return home with their heads held high (and, no doubt, to a multitude of contract offers) while Spain prepare to face Germany in what promises to be a final worthy of a memorable competition.