Spain (4) v Ukraine (0)

No Siesta for the Spanish -

Spain have been the epitome of underachievers in the world cup. Despite having one of the best leagues in the world and a slew of class player, Spanish fans have experienced let down after let down. I can still picture the crying faces of all the Spanish fans in 98, when they didn't make it out of group play. Its an understatement to say that the Spaniards are due for a run deep into the tournament (in 2002 they lost to South Korea on penalties in the quarterfinals- somewhat of a controversial match where the home squad seemed to get the benefit of the doubt in more than a few calls).

From the start of the game, Spain comes out strong. Dominating play and creating chance after chance. The Ukraines have very little possession and are stuck on their heels. Spain opens the scoring from a Villa header from a corner kick in the 12th minute and then repeat the feat on a free kick from Alonso that glanced off of a Ukrainian player standing in the wall. The deflection wrong foots the goalkeeper and hits the back of the net. 2-0 by the 16th minute. Spain continues to dominate, but not score for the rest of the half.

The second half starts very similar to the 1st half - Spanish Domination. Spain gets on the board just 2 minutes into the second half after a horrendous penalty and red card call (as if Spain needed any more help). Now playing with 10 men the Ukraines have no shot of coming back. They continue to be dominated until the final whistle, but not before Spain come up with a beautiful goal. Great build up and great finish. This team looks poised to make a run.

PS - The Ukraine is a very good team and their loss by 4 goals to none is probably more of a shock than the US losing 3-0 to the Czechs. I still believe they will make it out of their group by beating Tunisia and the Saudis. Hold out hope Americans. We can still do this!!!!!