Valeron Juan Carlos became the team hero as he scored the solo goal to hand the Spain a 1-0 win over Russia in the European soccer championship Saturday in Faro, Portugal.

After a scoreless first half, Spain made two changes on the 59th minute to bring Valeron and Xabi Alonso into the action, replacing Morientes and Baraja. Just one minute later, Veleron opened the scoring with his first touch, a right-foot strike from six yards after controlling Puyol's square ball.

Russia, who had gone closest to scoring in the first half when Dmitry Alenichev saw his shot blocked by goalkeeper Iker Casillas, failed to find an equalizer.

In the 87th minute Russian forward Sharonov was sent off after collecting his second yellow card and that virtually announced a miserable 1-0 loss in their first Group A match.

Spain came out strong in the first half and brought wave after wave of attacks to the Russian defence line but they were unable to deliver before the break.

After the break, Raul squandered an excellent opportunity when he failed to find the target with a header from Etxeberria's great cross from the right.

Spain proved their tactical change was great as Voleron scored Spain's winning goal with his first touch after being set up by Puyol.

It was only the second time Spain had won their opening match in the European Championship since the group phase was introduced in 1980.