Hiddink likened Russia's defeat to "naivety" and a lack of luck.

"The first goal we are playing well ... and then we make stupid errors and we got caught on the counter attack," the Dutchman said. "The second goal _ just one minute to go before half time _ then it's a lack of experience" not to run the clock.

Spain's opener had allowed it to find its rhythm after a bruising start. The Russians were looking to slow Spain's quick touch passing with physical play and it worked inside 10 minutes aside from a couple of misses by Torres and Villa from up close.

But after Iniesta escaped the crowd of white shirts to slip Villa a perfect ball to beat the offside trap and net the second, the task was too much. "Against a defensive Spanish team it's almost done," Hiddink said.

The Russians had a couple of chances early in the second from substitute Vladimir Bystrov and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

Spain's Fernando Torres (L) and Roman Shirokov of Russia vies for the ball during the Euro 2008 Group D football match between Spain and Russia at Tivoli Neu Stadium in Innsbruck, Austria, June 10, 2008. Spain won 4-1. (Xinhua/Qi Heng)

But Spain was executing better despite Russia's possession advantage and David Silva was unlucky not to get on the scoreboard after seeing two chances blocked, one saved and another fly over goal before coming off for Xabi Alonso in the 77th.

Fabregas scored his first goal in 27 appearances after heading Xavi Hernandez's blocked volley. It was Spain's biggest win in the tournament since a 4-3 victory over Yugoslavia in 2000.

"We are a group that is, day-to-day, getting better with a goal to see if we can get all the way to the end," Aragones said. "For today I am happy."

Hiddink had to juggle his lineup with playmakers Pavel Pogrebnyak with Andrei Arshavin missing. The striker's responsibility fell on Pavlyuchenko, who also shot wide in the 81st before taking advantage of the Spain defense's nervy finish with his header.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily June 11, 2008)