Verdict: Much too easy for Spain, who were able to dispose of Russia with minimum fuss. Valencia will have added another million euros onto David Villa's price tag after a hat trick. Unusually for a team under Guus Hiddink, the Russians were a defensive shambles, with Torres and Villa getting in behind all day long.
Entertainment value: The whole "tiki-taka" thing the Spanish have is very pleasing on the eye indeed, and they beautifully carved out opportunities again and again. On the other hand, the second half was almost at training pace. Yet a game with 5 goals in it is not to be sneezed at.
Heroes: Well, Villa, obviously, was the star of the show, but also outstanding were Marcos Senna and Xavi in the midfield who might as well have been conducting an orchestra. The only Russians to get any credit were the full backs, Anyukov and Zhirkov, who did a good job of covering for their joke of a central defence.
Villains: The Russian centre-backs had absolute shockers - Kolodin will have regretted his decision not to stick the ball in row Z at the first goal, while someone needs to teach Shrokov the offside rule.
The job ahead: As is traditional, Spain have started quickly; I'm looking forward to seeing if they can sustain it. Guus Hiddink, meanwhile, has to pick up his team for two games which they probably have to win.
L.
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