It took Spain more sweat and toil than they had anticipated but, in a game that saw a red card for Roman Sharanov and a glut of bookings, Inaki Saez’s side got off to the start to the Euro 2004 finals they had dreamed off.

Robbie Keane must score in Moscow tonight to claim a special place in Irish football history.

Belgium coach Robert Waseige believes his team have answered their critics after a 3-2 win over Russia put them into the second round.

Belgium coach Robert Waseige believes his team have answered their critics after a 3-2 win over Russia put them into the second round.

Belgium beat Russia 3-2 to clinch a place in round two of the World Cup as runners-up in Group H.

Belgium beat Russia 3-2 to clinch a place in round two of the World Cup as runners-up in Group H.

RUSSIA coach Oleg Romantsev turned on his players even though they opened their World Cup campaign with victory over Tunisia to climb to the top of Group H.

Russia scored twice in the second half to comfortably beat Tunisia in Kobe and take control of Group H.

Russia scored twice in the second half to comfortably beat Tunisia in Kobe and take control of Group H.