World Cup Day 6 Latest

Spain Turn On Style!

Zentralstadion, Leipzig

Spain 4 - 0 Ukraine

Scorers:
Spain - Alonso (13min), Villa (17min, pen 48min), Torres (81min);

Wow, what a match! Of all the big teams so far, I must say Spain looked the most impressive and positive of all the European teams. Maybe some of you guys might know I have a soft spot for the Spanish. Maybe because of their influence on Liverpool I guess? Out of the starting 11, there were 2 Liverpool players, Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia. Anyway as I have mentioned on the previous post, maybe Spain might find a bit of freshness by dropping Raul and adopt to a brand new 4-3-1-2 formation.


The Spanish didn't take too long to stamp their authority on the game and looked at home. They were quite positive and started a few good moves early on. Because they decided to play 3 defensive central midfielders, their wing backs have to provide the width in the team as well as the strikers and I must say the formation suits them surprisingly well. It really didn't take long before they score. Xavi's corner was headed goal wards by Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso and although Garcia tried really hard to get the credit, replays show it was Alonso who got the last touch of the ball. Before Ukraine could steady the ship, Spain striked again and clinically finished off Ukraine within the first half of the hour. David Villa was brought down just ouside the box and he himself took responsiblity of taking the freekick. As a fine striker of the ball, he smashed the ball into the back of the net with the help of a wicked deflection from the Ukrainina wall.

To be honest, Andriy Shevhenko was in Puyol's pocket the entire match and Ukraine only threatened once and it was due to the eccentricity of keeper, Iker Casillas. The Ukraine came out for the second half with 2 substitutes and clearly they had a plan to strike back at Spain. But the plan backfired when referee Massimo Busacca controversially sent off Ukrainian defender, Vashchuk and awarding Spain the first penalty in the 2006 World Cup. David Villa would be relieved to see his penalty just went pass the hands of the Ukrainian goalkeeper. Ukrainian's plan came undone and it was one way traffic after that.

Credits to the Spaniards, even after they scored the 3rd goal, they went in search of the 4th instead of sitting back and wasting the time away. Their determination paid off when Carles Puyol off all players, started the move from the middle of the field, did a 360 russian roulette before passing the ball to Torres. Torres then laid the ball off to Cesc Fabregas and he chipped the ball for Puyol. The move came to the one who started it and his brilliant lay off was just perfect and all Torres need to do is to place the ball into the bottom of the net. Game over for Ukraine. Yes, I know the description of the goal might make you a little dizzy, but don't worry, I'll post it up soon. It's THAT dazzling.

VAYA ESPANA!! I'll be behind you!

Tags: World Cup 2006, Spain, Ukraine, Football, Soccer