Switzerland surged to the top of Group G with a convincing 2-0 win over Togo in Dortmund on Monday, 19 June which leaves the Helvetians leading the section on goal difference.
Victory was secured by goals from Alexander Frei and Tranquillo Barnetta in the 16th and 88th minute respectively, the second of which took Kobi Kuhn’s side clear of Korea Republic by a single goal. All the Swiss now need is a point against Dick Advocaat’s Taeguk Warriors to guarantee their place in the last 16.
Togo, though impressive in flashes, could have few complaints at surrendering all three points, and poor Otto Pfister’s side remained without a point as they stayed anchored to the bottom of a group in which Switzerland and Korea both lead on four points as against France, who have two.
Ukraine made amends for their disappointing start in Group H when they defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Hamburg on Monday, 19 June 2006.
Oleg Blokhin’s side, that had suffered defeat by the same scoreline to Spain in their opening match, looked desperate to make amends in this match and began in the best possible manner.
Andriy Rusol fired Ukraine ahead in the fourth minute, while a Serhiy Rebrov wonder strike doubled their advantage on 36. Andriy Shevchenko headed a third just seconds after the restart, while Budweiser Man of the Match Maksym Kalinichenko got the goal his performance deserved six minutes from time.
A second-half turnaround saw Spain come from behind to register a 3-1 win over Tunisia in Stuttgart and consequently book their place in the Round of 16.
The African team got off to a great start when Jaouhar Mnari opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Roger Lemerre’s side held the lead until half-time when his counterpart Luis Aragones made a bold double substitution. Luis Garcia and Marcos Senna were replaced by Raul and Cesc Fabregas and the pair were extremely influential in Spain’s equalising goal. With 71 minutes gone, Fabregas’ shot was parried by Ali Boumnijel and into the path of Raul who gratefully slotted the ball home.
A brace from Fernando Torres, taking his tally in the tournament to three, gave Spain the victory. It leaves them on top of Group H, three points clear of their nearest challengers Ukraine and five points clear of Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.
via Fifa
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