Villa says Spain win is first step to success

LEIPZIG, June 14 (Reuters) Two-goal hero David Villa said he hoped Spain's thumping 4-0 win over World Cup debutants Ukraine today would set them up for a good tournament.

''I'm very pleased with the goals and in particular for the win for Spain. We got in front from the corner and in the end had a great game,'' Villa told Spanish TV station La Sexta.

Spain went ahead in the Group H match through a Xabi Alonso header from Xavi's corner after 13 minutes before Villa's double, including a penalty, and a Fernando Torres strike sealed the win.

''We hope it will be the first step in a good World Cup for Spain. We gave our all today, the fans have enjoyed themselves and I hope it continues like this,'' he added.

Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin was disappointed with his team's performance and said the heat played a part as the players struggled in temperatures of 30 Celsius.

''It is a shame that not only did we lose, we simply did not even put up a fight. We couldn't beat the heat,'' he told Ukrainian television.

''My players did not show what they are capable of today. They did not play at the same level they have been playing in training.'' Ukraine were hampered by the red card shown to defender Vladislav Vashchyuk just after halftime for tugging Torres's shorts as he bore down on goal leading to Villa's penalty.

''Of course, once you've seen a red card and you've lost a player it's very difficult to make it up in this heat, especially against such a strong opponent,'' said Blokhin.

''But we have to look to the future nmow. We still have two matches ahead. The important thing now is to get the team back in shape for the matches aginst Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

''All is not lost yet, there's still a long way to go.'' Reuters PDS GC2112