Spain recovers with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia

Spain was down to an early Tunisia goal but late strikes from Raul and a Fernando Torres double saw Spain come from behind to claim a dramatic 3-1 win that guaranteed their place in the last 16.

Tunisian midfielder Joahar Mnari steered home at the second attempt after striker Ziad Jaziri had teased his way past three Spain defenders in the eighth minute. With this goal and the defence holding back the Spain's attack stubbornly, Tunisia looks set for a shock victory but unfortunately Raul and Torres had other ideas.

Raul pounced on the rebound after Fabregas's low shot from the edge of the area was parried by keeper Ali Bomunijel to equalize in the 71st minute. Five minutes later, Fabregas fed a great through ball to the feet of Fernando Torres who rounded Boumnijel and steered the ball into the empty net. Torres then grabbed his second goal from the penalty spot in stoppage, and became top scorer at the tournament with three goals.

Soccer Pundit was actually less than impressed with the Tunisians before this match but changed his mind after watching their actions on the field. They were effective in shackling the great Spanish attack which yielded four goals against Ukraine but two things reversed their fortune.

The vital substitutions of Cesc Fabregas and Raul at half time and the eventual loss of concentration by the Tunisian players resulted in their loss. The win leaves Spain at the top of the table and Ukraine second with three points.

This match could well be a turning point for the Spaniards as they overcome the deficit to reach the knock-out games, something which they have not done in recent years. Always full of promise but disappointing in the end, could they now write a new chapter in their World Cup exploits? Soccer Pundit says watch on, they may just throw up a few surprises...