Spain 3-1 Tunisia
For a long time it looked as though we might be heading for the one of the biggest shocks of World Cup 2006. Tunisia lead through an 8th minute strike from Mnari. Jaziri set up the goal by shrugging off Puyol and doing some excellent work in the penalty area, before crossing into Mnari's path. His first shot was saved by Casillas, but the rebound fell into his path and the second shot couldn't be stopped. Alonso came closest for Spain in the first-half, but his header was cleared off the line. Tunisia played well in the first-half and exposed a Spanish weakness in defence. They deserved their half-time lead.
Spain came out firing in the second-half, with Boumnijel needing to make 2 excellent saves early on to keep Tunisia ahead. Tunisia weren't having any of the attacking play - it was all Spain at this point. With time beginning to run out it looked as though maybe Spain wouldn't qualify from the group today (as no matter what happened, they would surely beat Saudi Arabia
). Then Raul pounced on a poor clearence from Fabregas' shot to equalise for Spain! This proved to be the turning point as 4 minutes later Torres was sent through by a Fabregas pass and had no trouble beating Boumnijel, who had come a long way off his line - such a costly mistake for Tunisia.. The Africans did have the ball in the back of the net again, but it was ruled out for offside. Spain rounded off a great comeback from the penalty spot. Torres was pulled down by a Tunisian defender as he jumped to attempt a header - a penalty that was deserved for Spain. Torres converted from the spot .. 3-1! With almost the last kick of the match Torres was through again, but this time he could only send his shot high and wide.. almost a hat-trick!
Spain are through to the knockout stages. Tunisia will need to win against Ukraine to advance, which on today's performance is possible. They were deserving of a half-time lead, and were unfortunate to give away an equaliser which came from a rebound. Two mistakes after that proved costly though.
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Originally Posted by Gert-Jan It wasn't his captains armband, he gave that to someone else while walking to the bench. If I'm correct, it was a special armband for Djibril Cisse, all players have one. What did you think of the substitute Zidane/Trezequet? This is my opinion -->  |
Blame the radio commentator who said it was!
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Originally Posted by Gert-Jan With Guus Hiddink you never know! I think he'll do it again and advance to the next round.  |
Go Australia and Dutch coach!
