We’ve pitted two of the bloggers who have contributed to our sites in Spain and Russia against each other, challenging them to tell us how their team is going to progress to the final.

First up was Zhenya, who reckons that although his beloved Russian players aren’t (as well known as Spain’s as they are mainly based in the Russian leagues), they have put themselves in the shop window and players like Arshavin can now pick which European giant they want to play for. He dismisses the 4-1 defeat in the group stages, saying Arshavin wasn’t there to make the difference before going on to extol the virtues of several players, including the young goalkeeper Akinfeev.

Miguel from Diarios de Futbol begins his repost by attacking the Russian defence, much like he hopes his countrymen will tonight, saying that in their last game Ignasevich was ‘horrible’. He goes on to question the tactics of Aragones in implying he won’t play Villa, but reckons it is intended to keep the competitive spirit in the camp.

Zhenya comes back saying the main aim of the Russians will be to block Spain’s attacking threat of Villa and Torres (who he kindly points out didn’t have great games in the quarter final). He also points out that this will be a ‘battle of the coaches’, with Hiddink already having got the better of van Basten.

Thanks lads, and we look forward to seeing who is right and who triumphs in tonight’s match.