Suffering Spain still the best, say press

MADRID, June 20 (Reuters) Spain suffered on the way to a dramatic 3-1 victory over Tunisia yesterday, a performance that showed their hunger for a place in the last 16 of the World Cup, the country's newspapers reported today.

With headlines like ''National Take Off'' and ''Suffering, we're also the best,'' the papers focused on 'golden child' Fernando Torres who scored twice, including a penalty, to help Spain come back from a goal down at halftime.

Torres, 22, is top scorer at the tournament with three goals and gaining new-found respect in Spain.

Sports daily, Marca said Spaniards feared ''it was the same as usual'' after Tunisian striker Ziad Jaziri teased his way past three defenders to score in the eighth minute.

Spain have competed in the last eight World Cups but have only reached the last four once and that was back in 1950.

''Spain didn't give up or lose their composure, but they needed a second wind to turn the match,'' wrote the Mundo Deportivo daily.

Newspapers praised coach Luis Aragones for bringing on midfielder Cesc Fabregas at halftime along with long-time skipper Raul, who has found himself in an unfamiliar position on the substitutes' bench in the first two matches.

''Raul ran out with excitement, anger, hating doubters, hungry for goals and recognition,'' wrote the AS sports daily.

The Real Madrid player pounced on a rebound after a low shot from the lively Fabregas was parried by keeper Ali Bomunijel and levelled the score at 1-1 only 19 minutes from time.

''We were far superior (to Tunisia) but the truth is that we were suffering until Raul's goal,'' reported Marca.

Torres' late strikes took Spain ''from anguish to ecstasy,'' reported the Sport daily.

REUTERS AY HT1648