Spain v Tunisia - Match Report

Raul kickstarts Spain into the second round

Spain booked their ticket for the second round of the World Cup after a pulsating 3-1 win over Tunisia in Group H here Monday.

Spanish icon Raul came off the bench at the start of the second half to equalise Jawer Mnari's shock eighth-minute opener for Roger Lemerre's former African champions to end a long period of doubt for Luis Aragones' men.

And minutes later Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres struck the first of two goals after beating the Tunisian defence to a through ball from second half substitute Cesc Fabregas.

Torres, who scored in Spain's 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine, beat Tunisia keeper Ali Boumnijel from the penalty spot in the dying minutes of a match which Spain easily dominated.

The victory leaves Spain, who are bidding to get past the quarter-finals for the first time in 56 years, needing only a draw to come top of the group with Saudi Arabia still to play.

Tunisia had stunned Spain by taking an early lead through Germany-based Mnari, although he was indebted to Ziad Jaziri dogged offensive play as he fought off the Spanish defence.

Mnari was in the right place at the right time, and more imporatantly unmarked when Jaziri's cross arrived in the eighth minute.

Mnari had time to shoot, pick up his rebound from Spain keeper Iker Casillas and then slot the ball home from close range and shock the Spanish.

Spain had crushed Ukraine 4-0, however Tunisia's tougher style of play and astute defence proved a much harder obstacle.

Despite showing chinks in their defensive armour, Spain dominated possession in the first half.

The promising endeavours of Liverpool's Luis Garcia, Fernando Torres and David Villa up front - all of whom had chances to score - all came to nothing.

With the rain falling heavily, their best effort of the first half was even more agonising to watch for the Spaniards.

From a late corner Xavi found Xabi Alonso unmarked in the area, but his well-aimed header, which had the Tunisian keeper beaten, was spectacularly headed off the line by Anis Ayari.

Raul, who has been fighting to get into Aragones' side since the start of the campaign, replaced Garcia for the start of the second half while Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas came on for Marcos Senna.

Spain continued to dominate, and Torres was giving their big defenders all sorts of problems down the wings.

Aragones then sent strapping forward Joaquin on in place of Villa.

Spain immediately began to look more dangerous and were starting to find space behind the packed Tunisian defence.

In the 71st minute, Raul handed Spain their lifeline.

A right wing pass from Joaquin went to Fabregas on the edge of the area, and the Arsenal star's shot forced a rebound from Boumnijel.

Despite being held by a defender, Raul pounced on the ball to push it with the outside of his foot past Boumnijel at the far post.

Torres then found himself alone and through on goal in the 88th minute, but after he rounded Boumnijel the keeper blocked his shot.

The 22-year-old Atletico striker had the chance to atone when the referee pointed to the spot after second half substitute Alaeddine Yahia fouled the Spaniard.

Torres stepped up and sent his spot kick straight at Boumnijel, before the ball squeezed under his body and into the net.