June 19: The Daily World Cup Wrap

Today’s games didn’t look good on paper. Luckily for us they were played on grass, and all of them brought late goals. Only Ukraine’s thrashing of Saudi Arabia was one sided, but even that was easy on the eyes (probably not for Saudi fans though). The big names got going too, with Raul, Torres and Shevchenko all finding goals. Torres looks like an early candidate for the Golden Boot, today’s strikes giving him a total of three so far.

Daily Wrap Awards:

Top Man: Fernando Torres. Never stopped trying.

Top Team: Ukraine. Bouncebackablity.

Top Goal: Rebrov’s. So good he surprised himself.

Bit Of Skill: Torres’ step over.

Saw That Coming: Spain’s (eventual ) victory over Tunisia.

But Not That: Tunisia’s early goal

Switzerland vs Togo | LiveBlog | Switzerland World Cup Gear, Togo World Cup Gear

Switzerland 2 (Frei 16, Barnetta 88)
Togo 0

Togo put aside their monetary madness to make it out onto the field against Switzerland. Surely, they were never going to pass up a chance to play in the World Cup? I’d pay to play, for Togo or anyone else that would have me (if any World Cup managers needs a clumsy central defender at short notice, leave a comment and I’ll be in touch).

For all the controversy they put on an impressive display against the Swiss, but could never find that final killer ball as cross after cross was headed away. In the 16th minute Alexander Frei showed how it should be done, his predatory instincts led him to be in the right place at the right time to finish from Tranquillo Barnetta’s knock-down after Ludovic Magnin’s cross.

Togo kept going, and may feel they deserved a 33rd minute penalty when Adeboyor was tripped in the top corner of the box. Ref waved play on though. When Togo did get a shot away they found Zuberbuhler a commanding presence. Barnetta ended Togo’s World Cup hopes in the final minutes with a low drive.

Video highlights here.

Fan Photos: Swiss and Togolese fans…

• Follow the links for more World Cup Blog photos and video, or submit your own to enter our photo and video contest. Thanks to Umbro and Subside Sports for providing the prizes.
• Want to discuss todays action? Go to the Switzerland or Togo team pages.
• Buy World Cup tickets to Switzerland and Togo’s next matches.

Ukraine vs Saudi Arabia | LiveBlog | Ukraine World Cup Gear, Saudi Arabia World Cup Gear

Ukraine 4 (Rusol 4, Rebrov 36, Shevchenko 46, Kalinichenko 84)
Saudi Arabia 0

Ukraine bounced back from the 4-0 drubbing Spain handed to them, beating Saudi Arabia by the same score. After Andriy Rusol scored via his shins with three minutes on the clock, Ukraine were away. Rebrov looked a little surprised when his shot from 30+ yards went in ten minutes before half time. Andriy Shevchenko kept the scoring going straight after second half kick off, heading home decisively. Kalinichenko levelled Ukraine’s goal differential striking home from close range after receiving Rebrov’s pass with just over five minutes to go.

The score didn’t flatter Ukraine, and this Saudi performance brought back memories of their dreadful surrender to Germany in 2002.

Video highlights here

Fan Photos: Ukraine fans…

• Follow the links for more World Cup Blog photos and video, or submit your own to enter our photo and video contest. Thanks to Umbro and Subside Sports for providing the prizes.
• Want to discuss todays action? Go to the Ukraine or Saudi Arabia team pages. .
• Buy World Cup tickets to Ukraine and Saudi Arabia’s next matches.

Spain vs Tunisia | LiveBlog | Spain World Cup Gear, Tunisia World Cup Gear

Spain 3 (Raul 71, Torres 76, 91[pen])
Tunisia 1 (Mnari)

Spain proved they have the cajones to battle through adversity, eventually bouncing back from Mnari’s early goal to win 3-1. Tunisia’s five man midfield initially stifled Spain’s 4-3-3, which lacked any width until Aragones made some inspired substitutions. In the eight minute Jaziri out foxed Spanish defenders down the right and crossed to Mnari. His intial shot was blocked, but he reacted fastest to score from the rebound and shock a confident Spanish team. Spain’s attempts to reply were aggressive but frenzied, until Aragones switched things aorund at half time.

Aragones brought on the legendary but out of form Raul, and legend in the making Fabregas followed ten minutes later by pacy, tricky winger Joquain. Torres cleverly stepped over Joquain’s cross, leaving Fabregas to shoot. Boumnijel saved the shot but fell to Raul, who wasted no time to poke home.

Tunisia looked to hang on but Spain were unstoppable. Fabregas’ through ball found Torres’ great run behind Tunisia’s defence, and Boumnijel foolishly came racing out only fo Torres to go past him and score with the outside of his foot. Around the 90 minute mark, Torres converted a penalty that he’d won himself and the final score was just about what Spain deserved.

Video highlights here.

Fan Photo: Spanish and Tunisian fans…

• Follow the links for more World Cup Blog photos and video, or submit your own to enter our photo and video contest. Thanks to Umbro and Subside Sports for providing the prizes.
• Want to discuss todays action? Go to the Spain or Tunisia team pages. .
• Buy World Cup tickets to Spain and Tunisia’s next matches.

Have a look what today’s results have done to the group tables.