Spain avoid upset to go through
Spain avoid upset to go through
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Monday, 19, Jun 2006 10:06
Spain are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup but not before surviving a scare in their game with Tunisia.
The Spaniards eventually won 3-1 but it was the Africans who took an early lead.
Spain began where they left off against the Ukraine and could have been a goal up inside five minutes as David Villa, who netted twice in the 4-0 win, smashed the ball goalwards from the edge of the area but the net rippling was that of the side-netting.
However, if the Spanish fans were expecting another goal-fest they were horribly awoken on eight minutes as Tunisia took the lead.
Ziad Jaziri's good footwork inside the penalty area created the chance for Joahar Mnari and while his initial shot was saved by Iker Casillas, he was on hand to bury the rebound.
Both sides then threatened but it wasn't until a minute before the break that Spain nearly got back on level terms.
A corner from Xavi found Xabi Alonso unmarked and his firm header was cleared off the line by Anis Ayari.
Spain brought on Raul and Cesc Fabregas at half-time and it was the Arsenal midfielder who forced a good save from Ali Boumnijel after only being on the field three minutes.
Luis Aragones' men poured forward and while Mariano Pernia's cross-shot just skipped the wrong side of the upright on the hour, Spanish fans were becoming increasingly frustrated by their team's inability to find an equaliser.
That was until Raul popped up with 18 minutes remaining.
Fabregas' shot from the edge of the box was palmed away by Boumnijel but the Real Madrid striker was on hand to poke home the rebound.
Another goal was soon forthcoming and Fabregas was the creator, releasing Fernando Torres over the top and the young striker clipped the ball round the advancing goalkeeper.
The Atletico Madrid man had a chance to put the game beyond doubt with two minutes remaining but he couldn't round Boumnijel.
He had his second goal in injury-time though as he was fouled in the air and he buried the spot-kick under the keeper.