At 1-0 down when Carlos Simon blew the whistle for the break it appeared to be an evening of frustration for Spain against Tunisia in Stuttgart. They had enjoyed more possession, more incision, but lacked verve around the penalty area. Their passing and movement were crisp but it seemed that Luis Aragonés' team were going the way of so many other Spain sides at major tournaments.
But. The coach introduced Raúl and Cesc Fabregas for the second half. Diego Maradona, who had remained seated while commentating during the first half, stood. And the Spanish were transformed.
Raúl scored the equaliser, Fabregas threaded through the delightful ball for Fernando Torres to give his team the lead. The Spain fans - who had even cheered encouragement the instant Tunisia scored through Jaouhar Mnari's early goal - were now symphonic.
There was a little more. In the 88th minute Maradona slapped his face when Torres was through but could not finish beyond Ali Boumnijel. And then danced a merry trot when the same player scored a late penalty.
At the end there were Tunisian tears and a raucous rendition of Viva España. It was a heck of a second-half performance. One of the better of the 11 matches I have so far been fortunate to attend. Just how far can Spain go, one wonders ...
Jamie Jackson is an Observer sports writer
