Soccer: Torres says this could be their year

Fernando Torres for Spain. Picture / Reuters

Spain v Tunisia Tuesday, Stuttgart, 7am

KAMEN - Spain are out to prove that their scintillating start to the World Cup was no fluke when they play Tunisia in their second Group H match.

Luis Aragones' side dismantled much-fancied Ukraine 4-0 on Friday, raising hopes that, after half a century of World Cup underachievement, 2006 could be their year.

"We couldn't have made a better start and we can't let opportunities like this pass us by," said striker Fernando Torres, who added the finishing touch to one of the finest team goals of the tournament when he scored his side's fourth.

"We have to make the most of the fact that so many of our players seem to be in such good form," he said.

However, the 22-year-old believes Spain will only build on their success so far if they do not get carried away.

"We've done nothing so far, we've just played one good game," he said.

"We have to approach our next game with the same humility we showed in the first."

The comprehensive nature of Spain's victory, which extended their unbeaten run to 23 games, means Aragones is unlikely to make any changes to the starting XI.

Playmaker Xavi Hernandez believes Spain will win again but expects a much tougher match against the 2004 African champions.

"On paper we are superior to Tunisia but they play at a frenetic rhythm and are a skilful side, probably more skilful than Ukraine," he said.

On a personal note, the Barcelona playmaker added: "I'm very happy with my form at the moment and I have to thank the coach [Aragones] for the fact that I'm here after the injuries I had this season."

Tunisia, who needed a last-gasp goal from defender Radhi Jaidi to snatch a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in their opening game, are confident they can produce a much-improved performance against the group leaders.

"Sure we will be motivated," Jaidi said. "They are a big team with big players. We can repair what we've done.

"In any case we can't do as badly or worse than in the last game. We must concentrate and keep cool."

Once more Tunisia will have to do without injured leading striker Francileudo dos Santos.

The Brazilian-born player, who has scored 18 goals in 28 matches, is out with a shin injury.

Their French coach, Roger Lemerre, believes qualification will rest on his side's final match against Ukraine and has hinted that he may rest some players.

Now at their fourth World Cup finals, Tunisia have won just one of their previous 10 games (when they beat Mexico 3-1 in their debut in Argentina in 1978).

TV TIMES

* 1am: Togo v Switzerland (Group G) Dortmund SS1/SS3.
* 4am: Saudi Arabia v Ukraine (Group H) Hamburg SS1/SS3.
* 7am: Spain v Tunisia (Group H) Stuttgart SS1/SS3.
* 3.30pm-4.30pm and 11pm-12.30am: Highlights TV One.

BEST BET

* Switzerland -1 goal v Togo

Longshot
* Spain v Tunisia 4 or more goals

- REUTERS