Siesta turns to fiesta as Spain start to believe

MADRID, June 15 (Reuters) Spain's impressive 4-0 demolition of Ukraine in their opening game of the World Cup finals has set expectations soaring back home.

Despite entering the tournament on the back of a 22-game unbeaten streak most Spanish fans were lukewarm about their side's chances in Germany.

Divisive debates about formations, whether or not captain Raul should play, and above all a feeling that they did not have enough firepower up front had even led coach Luis Aragones to call for everyone to pull together behind the side.

But all that changed after David Villa scored twice and Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso scored one apiece to give Spain a stylish win over the side believed to be their strongest opponents in Group H.

Thousands who had gathered to watch the match on screeens set up in Madrid's Plaza de Colon celebrated wildly after the win, singing ''We are on our way to Berlin,'' while jumping in the fountains.

''We've seen Brazil, England, Argentina, Germany ... and the result is that we are the best. Bet we win the World Cup...'' said the front page of sports daily Marca on Thursday.

''You (the team) have left the world open-mouthed.'' Aragones received special acclaim for having chosen an attacking line up that saw the side play with three forwards in Villa, Torres and Luis Garcia, regularly leaving just two defenders at the back.

''It was the most offensive system Spain have played in recent years. The coach's choice was brave,'' said sports daily Sport.

''After the disappointment of Brazil against Croatia, Spain are now in charge of carrying the flag for beautiful football.'' Sports daily AS likened Aragones to Captain Ahab in his quest for Moby Dick.

''His obsession is starting to be ours now. It is starting from the players that for the first time that I can remember really seem to believe,'' said AS.

Spain's next game is against Tunisia on Monday.

REUTERS

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