Spain advance, Ukraine back on course

SOCCER: Spain came from behind to beat Tunisia 3-1 at the World Cup in Germany on Monday and book their place in the second round while Ukraine crushed Saudi Arabia 4-0 to revitalise their campaign.

Earlier, Switzerland beat Togo 2-0 to end the West African side's hopes of progressing to the last 16 despite a players' pay dispute which has overshadowed their efforts.

With 10 goals in three matches, Monday was the most goal-filled day of the month-long tournament so far.

It also marked the halfway stage in terms of matches played, with 32 down and another 32 to go. Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain have all qualified for the knockout stage with a group game to spare.

In their Group H match against Tunisia in Stuttgart, the Spaniards struggled to live up to the high standards they set in a 4-0 demolition of Ukraine in their opening game.

They went behind to a first half strike from Joahar Mnari, who reacted quickest after Spain goalkeeper Ilker Casillas blocked his initial shot.

But Spain hit back after the break with a goal from substitute Raul, Spain's all-time top scorer, and two from Fernando Torres including an injury time penalty.

The 22-year-old Torres is now the tournament's leading scorer, with three goals in two games. "It was harder than we expected but it is important to win any way you can," Torres said.

"Today the team showed spirit and did not get downhearted when they were behind. As long as the strikers keep scoring we will progress in this tournament." Ukraine put themselves in pole position to claim the second qualifying slot in the group by beating Saudi Arabia.

Although the Saudis were disappointing in the Group H game, Ukraine still looked like a team transformed from their own 4-0 drubbing by Spain in their opening match last week.

STUTTGART, Tuesday, Reuters