WORLD CUP SOCCER
Switzerland gets closer to round 2
Associated Press
DORTMUND, Germany » Switzerland's precision carried it past Togo's Team Turmoil and closer to the second round of the World Cup.
With a 2-0 victory over the tournament newcomers yesterday, the Swiss tied South Korea atop Group G with four points, and sent the Sparrow Hawks fluttering home. Switzerland and South Korea play Friday, with one of them headed to the second round and possibly both. France is second in the group with two points and needs a win over Togo to remain alive.
Ludovic Magnin crossed the ball to Tranquillo Barnetta, whose pass was headed into the net by Switzerland's star scorer Alexander Frei in the 16th minute. Barnetta added a goal in the 88th for the Swiss, in their first World Cup since 1994.
Spain 3, Tunisia 1
STUTTGART, Germany » Spain is emerging as a serious candidate for the World Cup title, rebounding from a goal down to beat Tunisia and advance to the second round.
Spain's unbeaten streak under coach Luis Aragones is now at 24 games and the young squad advanced from Group H in the last of the middle games of the first round.
While Spain is through, the North Africans must beat Ukraine in their last match if they hope to move on.
Substitute Raul Gonzalez and attacking partner Fernando Torres turned the game around in a 6-minute span after Tunisia took an early lead on a counterattack. Torres added a penalty kick goal in the 90th.
Ukraine 4, Saudi Arabia 0
HAMBURG, Germany » Ukraine got its World Cup bid back on track, taking the lead for good on a goal by defender Andriy Rusol in the fourth minute of a rain-swept match against outsider Saudi Arabia.
It was a much-needed win for Ukraine, which got a corrosive tongue-lashing by coach Oleh Blokhin for its embarrassing 4-0 loss to Spain in opening Group H play.
Serhiy Rebrov scored one of the best goals of the tournament with a 35-yard shot in the 36th minute.
WORLD CUP
All times Hawaii time
YESTERDAY
» Switzerland 2, Togo 0
» Ukraine 4, Saudi Arabia 0
» Spain 3, Tunisia 1
TODAY
» Ecuador at Germany, 4 a.m.
» Costa Rica vs. Poland, 4 a.m.
» Sweden vs. England, 9 a.m.
» Paraguay vs. Trinidad and Tobago, 9 a.m.
THURSDAY
» Ghana vs. United States, 4 a.m.
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