Budweiser Man of the Match: XAVI (ESP)

14 June 2006

In a game in which a number of Spanish players stood out, Xavi was named Budweiser Man of the Match for being the primary creative figure in Spain's 4-0 victory over Ukraine.

David Villa scored twice and Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres one apiece but it was Xavi whose quick feet led the way throughout the match. He seemed to never stop running over 90 minutes and started most of Spain's attacking movements.

"There were five or six players for Spain that could have been named Budweiser Man of the Match,” said FIFA Technical Study Group member Andy Roxburgh. “Spain played like a good orchestra, and Xavi was the director of that orchestra. He was the conductor of the game.”

Xavi not only led the way in midfield, but also contributed with his service from set-pieces, delivering virtually every corner-kick with outstanding quality, including the one that Xabi Alonso headed home for Spain's first goal. “He was the key in the midfield, and he was also involved in the first goal with the corner-kick,” said Roxburgh.