FIFA World Cup 2006 Spain v Ukraine discussion thread as it happens

[Anarcho-Socialist]

Kicking off momentarily

[Anarcho-Socialist]

1. GOAL Spain!!! 13'

Headed goal from a corner. Garcia takes credit, but it may have taken a deflection on the way in

[Anarcho-Socialist]

2. GOAL Spain!! 17'

Villa free kick from outside 18-yard box, deflects off the Ukranian wall and beats an unlucky 'keeper.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

3. Some thoughts

Spain look confident and comfortable, and are keeping possession. Ukraine look shell-shocked, but slightly unlucky to be 2-0 after 20 minutes. Spain look very strong and their inventiveness is causing problems for the Ukrainian defence.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

4. Spain 2-0 Ukraine (Half-time) n/t

[Anarcho-Socialist]

5. Vashchuk (Ukraine) sent off, Spain penalty

[Anarcho-Socialist]

6. GOAL Spain!! Villa scores from spot-kick 48'

[Anarcho-Socialist]

7. GOAL Spain!! 81'

Torres strike from inside the box blasts the ball into the net beating the 'keeper.

[alcibiades_mystery]

8. US team escapes ignominy of worst loss

Prior to today's 4-0 victory, the US team had the worst goal differential of the tournament thus far. So now, we're only technically in second to last place. :-)

[Anarcho-Socialist]

10. There is a positive

Hopefully the U.S.A. will salvage some pride, if not qualification from their remaining group games.

[northzax]

12. we're 31st! we're 31st! we're 31st!

not much of a ring to it, is there? :)

[Anarcho-Socialist]

9. Spain 4-0 Ukraine (Final score)

Spain dominant, but helped by a lucky second goal, a fortunate penalty and a fortunate sending-off. However they certainly seem world cup contenders.

[ikri]

11. Spain were very impressive

I'm not sure if I'm basing my reaction to this game on how woeful yesterday's games were, but Spain looked excellent, the 4th goal especially, superb all round team play leading to a great goal.

If they can carry on this form (and knowing Spain's previous record in the World Cup that can't be taken for granted) they're certain to be real contenders.

[northzax]

13. let's not get carried away, just yet

it is Spain, after all. :)

[ikri]

14. lol

That's what I meant with my comments.

Spain are notorious for producing some of Europe's most skillful players but ending up with teams who play abysmal football and usually fail to get past the quarter-finals of any competition.

They're in what's probably the easiest group of the tournament and are likely to face either France or Switzerland in the next round, unfortunately for Spain even if they win every game, they're likely to come up against Brazil in the quarter-finals, who knows how that will turn out.