Leipzig, June 15 :

Spanish Armada set sail in style at the FIFA World Cup when they beat Ukraine 4-0 in a Group H match at Leipzig this afternoon. Riding on two goals from David Villa and one each from Xabi Alonso and Fernendo Torres, the Spaniards completely demoralised debutants Ukraine who never recovered from the early strikes.

Despite soaring temperatures in Leipzig the match started at a blistering pace. In the fourth minute Spain’s Sergio Ramos fed Xavi on the edge of the box but the Barcelona man dragged it off target. Ukraine replied immediately with Ruslan Rotan sending

in a corner kick but Vladmir Yezersky who rose above the Spanish defenders headed it over the cross bar.

Spain, which has prided itself in being one of the powerhouses of Europe, has consistently disappointed in major tournaments. In the World Cup they have not been able

to get past the quarters since 1950. In the 14th minute Spain made the first dent when on a corner kick from Xavi, Xabi Alonso headed home past the diving keeper.

Four minutes later, Valencia striker David Villa pumped in another from a free kick just outside the box, sending the Spanish fans into a Mexican wave. The ball took a deflection and just went out of the outstretched hands of Ukrainian keeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi.

The last time these teams met was in September 2003 when Raul’s goals proved the difference in a 2-1 win. But the Real Madrid hitman missed out starting this time with Fernando Torres and David Villa lining up together in a 4-3-3 formation for Spain.

In the 27th minute, Andriy Shevchenko stepped on to the ball and wasted a good opportunity. He vented his frustration by fouling his opposing captain Carles Puyol. With the game shifting quickly in both the halves, Ukraine’s Andriy Gusin shot at the goal was easily saved by Spanish custodian Iker Casillas.

Ukraine, who were the first team to qualify from Europe, could not come to terms with the attacking Spaniards and has only two shots at the goal compared to 10 from Spain.

Immediately after resumption, Vladyslav Vashchuk brought down Villa in the box and earned a red card, with the referee pointing towards the spot. Villa converted the penalty with ease, shooting it down the left post of the Ukrainian goal. Three minutes later Villa had a chance to make it 4-0 but fired at keeper Shovkovskyi’s legs.

With the game firmly in grasp, Spanish coach brought in Raul and David Albelda in place of Alonso and Villa in the 56th minute.

Eight minutes later Spain found the net again through Sergio Ramos but he was pulled up by the referee for a foul on Vladimir Yesercky.

Completing the misery for Ukraine was an 81st minute strike from Fernando Torres, who slammed in a right footer from the edge of the box, after a neat pass from Raul.