Blokhin bemused by lack of fight

Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin questioned his team's attitude after their 4-0 drubbing against Spain in Group H.

"My players did not play at the same level they have been playing in training," Blokhin said of the dismal display from his World Cup debutants.

"It is a shame, not only did we lose, we simply did not even put up a fight.

"Once you've seen a red card it's very difficult to make it up in this heat, especially against such a strong opponent. We couldn't beat the heat."

And Blokhin apologised to supporters for his side's lacklustre performance.

"The players did not carry out the trainer's advice," he added.

"Sometimes it looked as though they were not even trying to attack. They didn't seem to move - although the Spanish players were doing so with no problems.

"Spain are a strong and technically excellent side but there were times when we looked like the worst team in Europe.

"I am being critical but this wasn't a friendly. I am not so much unhappy about the score but the way they didn't show enough guts on the pitch.

"I apologise to all the Ukraine fans and I hope this will never be repeated."

Vladislav Vashchuk was harshly sent off early in the second half for a tug on Fernando Torres in the area.

And to add insult injury, David Villa stepped up to score from the resulting spot-kick to put Spain three goals to the good.

However, Blokhin refused to criticised referee Massimo Busacca for the sending-off and remains upbeat that his team can still make their mark in Germany.

"All I saw was the players' feet but I have been told it should not have been a penalty," he said.

"I don't comment on referee's decisions but if a referee has made a mistake then it is up to the Fifa committee to look at it.

"We have to look to the future now.

"We still have two matches ahead. The important thing now is to get the team back in shape for the matches against Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

"All is not lost yet, there's still a long way to go."