Before Argentina's sublime 6-0 demolition of Serbia & Montenegro, Spain had produced arguably the most exhilarating display of the tournament with their four unanswered goals against Ukraine five days ago.
Following a month of experimentation, seasoned Spain watchers had no clue what the starting XI against Andriy Shevchenko and company would be. When it was announced, there was surprise. Among other changes and tweaks, Luis Aragonés dropped Raúl to the bench because he believed his captain was not good enough. The Spain coach also decided to play without a defensive midfielder. So vice-captain David Albelda joined Raúl. And the team, which included Xabi Alonso and Luis García of Liverpool, ended the game with three players having made competitive debuts, one being Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.
Aragonés, guilty of the racist comments regarding Thierry Henry a while back, appears an unpredictable coach. Tonight against Tunisia, who drew their opening match, the Spanish, traditionally disappointing in major competitions, will hope to continue winning. And doing so with style.
Jamie Jackson is an Observer sports writer
