Spain: Casillas, Pernia, Ramos, Puyol, Pablo, Alonso(Albelda 54), Senna, Xavi, Garcia(Fabregas 76), Villa(Raul 54), Torres

Ukraine: Shovkovshyi, Yezerskyi, Tymoschuk, Nesmachnyi, Rusol, Vashchuk, Gusin(Shelayev 45), Gusev(Vorobei 45), Rotan(Rebrov 64), Voronin, Shevchenko

On paper this seemed to be an evenly matched contest, with the outcome too close to call. In reality, only one side turned up on the day and received just about the easiest three points they are ever likely to get at a World Cup Finals. That side was Spain.

Again played in the heat of the mid afternoon, the conditions undoubtably favoured the Spaniards, but the nature of their victory, almost uncontested, was expected by few.

Immediately into their stride, Spain were quick to pounce on the loose ball and Torres gave an early indication of their attacking intentions as he slid a neat ball inside the Ukraine fullback to allow Xavi a first shot on goal.

Ramos was the main outlet for Spain early on, maurauding from right back all the way down his flank, and supplying Torres & Villa with good deliveries.

Ukraine had an early chance from a free kick out on their left wing, and the ball in from Rotan was excellent - clearing all the Spanish line, but Yezerskyi coming in from the back headed over. Shevchenko seemed to want to play on the shoulder of the last man, but was struggling to get any service from an overrun midfield in which Spain were doing pretty much as they pleased.

Senna, who was solid in the holding role, attempted an audacious effort from 40 yards out which had to be tipped over by Shovkovshyi. The resultant corner led to Spain's first goal.

Xavi's dead ball kick caught the Ukraine defence a little flat footed, and was accurate enough to meet the near post run of Alonso, who's header wasn't great, but was good enough to find the net.

Spain then set about dominating the play. The movement up front from Torres & Villa was excellent, giving options all the time and Garcia was buzzing around the edge of the box with menace. Senna was distributing well and Spain were eager to use the full width of the pitch, stretching Ukraine in the process.

In contrast, Ukraine played only speculative balls, and Shevchenko, who was without Voronin's support because his partner was forced to drop into midfield time & again, was almost redundant.

Spain received a free kick just outside the Ukraine box in a central position, which Villa obviously fancied. His right foot strike was good, but a deflection was needed off the top of the defensive wall to beat the keeper, who had it covered. 2-0 Spain after 16 minutes.

Spain again resumed their dominant grip on the game with Ramos again to the fore, increasingly going for cross field passe to switch the play and stretch Ukraine yet further. From one such pass of over 50 yards Torres cut in and fired just over, a great cut & thrust move.

Ukraine didn't manage a shot on target until Gusin's weak effort in the 32st minute, such was Spain's dominance.

Spain almost ended the half with another goal, as the strong Torres played in Villa who shot into the keeper as he advanced from his line. Half time came not a moment too soon for the Ukranians.

Half Time: Spain 2 Ukraine 0

The game as a contest was effectively ended in the first minute of the second half when Spain were awarded a penalty and Vashchuk was sent off for tugging a shirt. The decision was one of those borderline ones which are good when they go for your side but infuriating when against you.

The referees decision to send off Vaschuk was totally unnecessary and further punished an already demoralised side. Replay that same scenario again with 10 different referees, and I guarantee you would net get more than 3 or 4 penalties, and fewer sendings off.

Villa stepped up to take the first penalty of Germany 2006, and powerfully slapped it wide of the hapless keeper.

Spain coach Arragones now saw the chance to rest players and give other squad members a run out. He couldn't have dreamed of a better day. On came Raul & Albelda - off went Alonso & Villa.

Spain were now content to strut around and make their passing do all their hard work. Meanwhile Ukraine had to toil in the heat to try and close them down. To their credit, they continued until the end. Voronin in perticular was the chief chaser of lost causes and produced a couple of efforts at the Spanish goal in retaliation.

The final flourish came from Spain in the 80th minute when the generally excellent Puyol decided he wanted to get in on the act and rampaged through the centre of the field. Stopping half way to stand on the ball and execute a fancy turn, he went on to play a one two and guide the returned ball down with his head into the onrushing Torres's path. His finish was emphatic, blasted home low from the edge of the box.

Full Time: Spain 4 Ukraine 0

Spain Ratings: Casillas,5 Pernia 6, Ramos 7, Puyol 7, Pablo 6, Alonso 6, Senna 7, Xavi 5, Garcia 7, Villa 7,Torres 9
Subs: Albelda 5,Raul 6, Fabregas 5.

Ukraine: Shovkovshyi 5, Yezerskyi 5, Tymoschuk 4, Nesmachnyi 4, Rusol 4, Vashchuk 4, Gusin 3, Gusev 3, Rotan 4, Voronin 6, Shevchenko 4.
Subs: Shelayev 4, Vorobei 4, Rebrov 3.

Referee: M.Busacca (Switzerland) 3. Sometimes they just don't get it do they. The sending off & penalty decision was harsh to say the least and made the last 44 minutes pointless.

Good: Spain's use of the pitch, switching play from side to side and getting the most from their wide men. Torres looked formidable up front.

Bad: Ukraine just didn't turn up today, and were out of the match before they had a chance to get into it.

Ugly: Puyol's hair. Surely there are mice living in that thatch of yours Charlie. Eurgh! Get it cut you scruffy git.