Tactical preview of Russia v Spain

By Mitch Phillips

VIENNA (Reuters) - A look at the likely formations, strengths and weaknesses of Russia and Spain, who meet in the second semi-final of Euro 2008 at Vienna's Ernst Happel stadium on Thursday (1845 GMT):

FORMATIONS:

Spain have settled on 4-1-3-2 with Marcos Senna as the deep-lying midfielder. Russia are more of a 4-4-2 but with forward Andrei Arshavin operating "in the hole".

STRENGTHS

Spain keep the ball effortlessly and have plenty of interchangeable midfield options. David Villa and Fernando Torres are a mobile front duo who carry a varied threat.

Russia have momentum, confidence and variety. Coach Guus Hiddink gets the absolute best out of his players and in striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin they have two of the players of the tournament.

WEAKNESSES

The goalless draw against Italy exposed the lack of variety in their slow, precise build-up play, which can be swamped by the opposing defence and midfield sitting deep.