First of all, this was a much better game than Portugal vs Greece. Granted, it wasn’t a stellar match either, but atleast neither Spain nor Russia came onto the field as apathetic and sedated as Portugal had earlier in the day. Having learned the value of fielding true wingers in World Cup 2002, Spain faced a Russian side that was injury-plagued in central defence and prime pickings for being run ragged from flank to flank. In a chippy match plagued with several yellow cards given to Russian defenders—and an eventual double yellow shown to Russia’s Roman Sharonov—Russia could only attempt to grind out a result so long before Spain’s attacking width took its toll.

After a fairly even first half, where Spain dominated early through its superb midfield and where Russia threatened later on the counter-attack, it seemed as if the second match Group A may finish in a tense draw. Then, fifteen minutes into the second half, Spanish manager Inaki Saez made attacking substitutions as he pushed for a winning result. The move payed instant dividends on the 60th minute. On as a substitute for the ineffectual Morientes, Juan Valeron pounced upon a cross pulled back into the penalty area and shot the ball into Russia’s net with his first touch of the game. The Russian’s had previoulsy threatened convincingly on the break, but down a goal and facing Spain’s efforts to shore up the match’s lone goal, they never mustered enough strength to retaliate on the Spanish net and joined Portugal as opening match day losers.

The Player to Watch

Some players draw copius amounts of fouls. The Figo’s of the world earn their free-kicks by endlessly complaining for 90 minutes a match. But a player like Vicente, Spain’s left-sided winger who plays his club football for Valencia, forces his markers to accumulate yellow cards because he just flat-outclasses defenders with his speed and agility on the dribble. Substitute Juan Valeron may have scored the winning goal, but Vicente was the most entertaining player on the field and on Match Day One of Euro 2004.

Do Cry for me Fernando

Now for the the really important commentary, let’s talk about Fernando Torres’ mullet:

What the heck is up with that hair? Where does a rich, young, Spanish international soccer starlet go to be ? What hair dresser and player handler had a role to play in Torres’ follicular disaster? Perhaps that the even more disturbing part. Obviously, more people than just Torres had a hand in deciding to make the Atletico Madrid striker wear the same hairstyle championed by such legends as Billy Ray Cyrus and Michael Bolton. Why do these people do such things to the beautiful game? Honestly, if young wonderkids aren’t kept from making the mullet mistake, how else can the notorious soccer mullet be taken out of football?

Oh well, it’s the feature match of the round robin coming up tomorrow: England vs France. And, if I’m not mistaken, I believe there are no mullets to worry about on either of those highly rated teams…