Spain was fortunate to win its second Group H game against Tunisia after trailing for much of the match. An early goal by Jawar Mnari put Spain on the back foot but three late goals secured the victory for the Europeans.

Spain was determined to prove that its 4-0 victory against Ukraine was no fluke. David Villa and Fernando Torres were rewarded for excellent performances last time round by being named in the starting line-up. Raul was forced to start on the bench for the second game running.

Tunisia was fortunate to scrape a draw against Saudi Arabia after a last minute equaliser by defender Radhi Jaidi made the score 2-2. Ukraine's win earlier in the evening meant the pressure was on Tunisia to go for victory against the Spaniards if they wanted to maintain hopes of qualifying for the last 16. But the side again had to play without injured striker Francileudo dos Santos. Spain's coach Luis Aragones warned against underestimating Tunisia at a pre-match news conference. "They are a better side than they showed in the first game, they have an intelligent coach and have a high-quality midfield," he said.

Spain could have had two goals within the first five minutes. The first chance came from the head of Luis Garcia, the second a powerful long range effort from the boot of David Villa. Both narrowly missed the target but already Spain had demonstrated the attacking threat its team poses.

But, to the joy of Tunisia's fans it was the African side which took an early lead. Jawar Mnari scored at the second attempt, after his volley rebounded off goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Ziad Jaziri set up the goal on eight minutes with a well placed cross which left the Spanish defence looking helpless. Tunisia could have added a second a few minutes later when Jaziri was set through again but Casillas came sprinting out to spare Spain's blushes.

The game progressed at an electric pace with both sets of forwards looking dangerous on the break. Spain failed to convert a series of half-chances with several Spanish players -- including Garcia and Villa -- guilty of some wayward shooting. At the other end, Tunisia might have done better with a well-placed free-kick after Carles Puyol received a yellow card for a vicious challenge on Trabelsi whose runs down the right wing for Tunisia consistently troubled Spain.

Shortly before half-time, Xabi Alonso shrugged off a tackle and fired in a rasping effort from long range which only narrowly went wide. Minutes later Alonso again looked like scoring, this time with his head, but Ayri cleared his effort off the line with a desperate header and Spain went into half time with more questions than answers. As the rain started to fall in Stuttgart the Spanish fans started to look distinctly anxious by their team's disappointing performance.

Spanish coach Luis Aragones made a double substitution at half-time to try and turn the situation around. Young star Cesc Fabregas and the vastly experienced Raul took to the field. Aragones almost received instant payback when Fabregas hit a stunning long range effort which Boumnijel did well to block in the Tunisian goal.

Tunisia never looked like adding to its lead as the second half wore on and the chances were all at the other end. Spain finally achieved the breakthrough on 72 minutes when Joaquin drove in a cross for Fabregas to shoot at goal. His shot was blocked but the rebound fell at the feet of the mercurial Raul who scored from close range.