World Cup Group H - Ukraine Forgets Spanish Defeat (Saudi Arabia 0 - Ukraine 4)

This was a comprehensive victory. The Ukrainians were a class above the Saudis. They gave the Saudis the same lesson in soccer that was given to them by the Spaniards a week back.

Right from kickoff, they exploited the Saudi weakness to handle corners and Rusol headed the ball home from their second corner after 4 minutes into the game. The Saudis were never an attacking threat in the entire game. Ukraine attacked with purpose and determination and were rewarded by a superb long range effort from Serhiy Rebrov that left the Saudi keeper wrong footed.

Right from the kick off in the second half, the new Chelsea striker, Schevchenko added a third with another header. Ukraine by then were toying with the Saudis, who were frankly pretty much a disgrace. And towards the end of the game, the player of the game, Schevchenko unselfishly passed the ball to Kalinichenko to strike the ball into an open net to round off the scoring for the day.

The final scoreline probably flattered Saudi Arabia. Ukraine probably should have scored more, but their dominance was plain for all to see. In fact midway thru the second half, the Saudis were already playing not to concede more. With this result, the Ukrainians not only have erased the humilating defeat by the Spaniards, but also erased their goal deficit. If they continue playing the way they played today, their chances of a top 16 appearance seems sure.

The Saudis are probably doomed since they play a well-organised Spain in the final group match. The Saudis are big players in Asian soccer but everytime they come to the World Cup, they tend to fuck up pretty badly (remember a 8-0 thrashing by Germany in 02). It's about time the Saudis start sending their players overseas to gain more experience, rather than just playing in their domestic leagues. Look at the Japanese and the South Koreans. They send they players to European teams to gain exposure and their squads are now more equiped to play against strong European teams.