BEST BAR NONE; EXILES HAIL SPANISH HEROES.Byline: By RORY SMITH DELIGHTED Spanish fans roared their team on to victory as their World Cup trail began in sizzling style yesterday. The Irish Daily Mirror is backing Spain to go all the way in Germany - and they got off to a flying start with a 4-0 hammering of the Ukraine. Hundreds of supporters in exile all over Ireland chanted "Ole, Ole, Ole" as Spain cut their opponents to ribbons. In Dublin's Wool Shed wool shed n. A building or complex of buildings in which sheep are sheared and wool is prepared for shipment to market. pub, dozens of Spain fans jumped for joy as goals from Xabi Alonso Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi (prounounced Shabi) Alonso and often misspelt as Xavi Alonso (born 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Region, Spain) is a Spanish footballer who plays for Liverpool F.C.. , Fernando Torres Fernando José Torres Sanz (born March 20, 1984) is a Spanish football player currently playing for Liverpool. He was born in Fuenlabrada, a large suburban town south of Madrid and was the youngest player to play for Atlético Madrid and the youngest to become captain (at age 19). and a brace from David Villa saw off their Eastern European opponents. Barcelona fan Alex Navarro could barely believe what he was seeing. He said: "We looked the best team so far, no question. When it's Spain, you put all your club loyalty aside, so I'm even supporting Raul, even though he plays for Real Madrid and normally I want to see him do badly. "All our players are small. But every single player did really well and they can be proud of themselves. We looked like a great side. We may not party like the Brazilians but we can play like them. The other teams won't want to face us." Oscar Puente, from Burgos, said: "I think David Villa could end up with the golden boot. "To get two against the toughest team in our group means he's got a great chance and after that game we look like we could go all the way. "It would mean so much to the whole country because everyone - even Basques and Catalans - is behind them get it right this year and show what they can do." As Atletico Madrid golden boy Fernando Torres volleyed home the stunning fourth, the pub broke out in chants of "Espana, Espana, Espana". Flags were waved and scarves whirled in the air as Ukrainians stared forlornly into their pints of stout. And the final whistle was greeted with deafening cheers as supporters jumped for joy - and even found it in their hearts to commiserate com·mis·er·ate v. com·mis·er·at·ed, com·mis·er·at·ing, com·mis·er·ates v.tr. To feel or express sorrow or pity for; sympathize with. v.intr. with the gutted Ukraine fans. Last night bookies slashed odds on Spain lifting the trophy on July 9. Bookmaker Paddy Power said: "What a start that was for the Spanish. They were at 14s before the game but now that's down to 9/1. "It looks like the Irish Mirror have picked well - Spain are off to a flyer and there'll be plenty of money going on them now." Paddy Power had Valencia star Villa at 28/1 to finish the tournament as top scorer yesterday morning but had cut that to 6/1 after the game. CAPTION(S): ROR ROR Ruby on Rails ROR Rate Of Return ROR Reach Out and Read (national pediatric literacy program) ROR Rotate Right ROR Revolutions On Request (artist group; Finland) ROR Rise of Rome OF THE CROWD: Mirror's Rory, front, with Spanish fans in Dublin yesterday Pictures: COLIN KEEGAN' SPANISH LADIES: Pilar Hinojosa and Yolanda Cashillo' BOOTIFUL: David Villa |
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