Shevchenko to start for Ukraine

LEIPZIG, June 14 (Reuters) Leading striker Andriy Shevchenko was included in the starting line-up for Ukraine's World Cup debut against Spain in their Group H opener in Leipzig today.

The former European Footballer of the Year had been a doubt after suffering an injury to his left knee at the tail-end of the league season and coach Oleg Blokhin had said he would leave a decision on his participation until the last minute.

As expected Spain coach Luis Aragones decided to leave captain and all-time leading scorer Raul on the bench and opted for a three-man attack comprising Fernando Torres, David Villa and Luis Garcia.

Argentine-born defender Mariano Pernia was given his second start for Spain at left back after his goal-scoring debut in last week's 2-1 warm-up win over Croatia, while Brazilian-born Marcos Senna was selected alongside Xavi and Xabi Alonso in midfield.

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