Spain stay cool after red hot debut

LEIPZIG, June 14 (Reuters) Spain coach Luis Aragones was determined to keep his feet on the ground after they made their best start to a World Cup by crushing 10-man debutants Ukraine 4-0 in their Group H opener today.

''We didn't expect such a good start, but we were lucky to score early goals from two set pieces and that gave us the calmness we needed and created more space so that we could control the game,'' Aragones told a news conference.

''We need to make a fair analysis of the game. We enjoyed all the luck and it's very difficult to win 4-0 in a World Cup, but what is clear is that the players knew exactly what they had to do,'' he added.

''Historically we have done nothing even though we have attended World Cups for the last 30 years. This time we hope to do something, but we've got a very difficult game in five days against Tunisia.

''We have to take each game at a time and Tunisia are a better footballing side than Ukraine. We've got great respect for all our rivals and that goes for Tunisia as well.'' GREAT ATMOSPHERE Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas echoed Aragones's sentiments.

''We are delighted with the win and there is a great atmosphere among the players at present,'' he told Spanish television. ''It isn't often you can start a tournament this well.

''But we must keep our feet on the ground there is still a long way to go. I think the heat took its toll on Ukraine today,'' he added referring to the temperature of about 30 Celsius in the Zentralstadion.

Midfielder Xavi, who was Man of the Match, said it had been the perfect way to start the World Cup.

''Everything went well for us,'' he said. ''We scored two quick goals and that effectively killed them off. The team was fantastic, we did everything perfectly and it was even easier once they had a man sent off.

Ukraine defender Vladislav Vashchyuk was sent off just after halftime for tugging striker Fernando Torres's shorts as he bore down on goal and the referee awarded the first penalty of the torunament which David Villa despatched for the third goal.

''Spain have always had a game based on quality rather than physical force and that's what we showed out there today. We are all keen to do well at this World Cup and hope to go a long way.'' Reuters SY GC2215