Spain 3 Slovenia 1
Raul 44, Valeron 74, Hierro 86 (pen); Cimirotic 82

Don't need to say anything really; just show that picture! This is the first 1st-round World Cup game that Spain have won for 52 years!! Ole!! (And what happened that year? Uruguay won!). I still have to question Camacho's tactics though - or, rather, his player selection. Why was Juanfran playing? And WHO is De Pedro? Didn't go much on Tristan either - although I suppose there was an excuse there, with Morientes having twisted his ankle in the week. (I bet you wish you'd brought him to Euro 2000, eh Mr C?).

They were great. Spain. Some lovely football. And some of the usual nerves when Slovenia pulled the goal back. And the shirts are to die for (despite the mesh!). Very satisfied and far too tired to write any more. It's been a real hard slog today with 4 games one after the other. Tomorrow; only 3 - and an hour extra lay-on. Not sure I'll last the course!

Teams

Spain: Casillas, Juanfran (Romero 83), Puyol, Hierro, Nadal, Baraja, Luis Enrique (Helguera 74), De Pedro, Valeron, Raul, Tristan (Morientes 67).

Booked: Valeron. Slovenia: Simeunovic, Milinovic, Galic, Knavs, Novak (Gajser 77), Ales Ceh, Karic, Zahovic (Acimovic 63), Pavlin, Osterc (Cimirotic 57), Rudonja.

Booked: Karic, Cimirotic.

Attendance: 40,000

Referee: M Guezzaz (Morocco).

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