Spain coach Luis Aragones hailed substitutes Raul and Cesc Fabregas as the true inspiration behind his team's second-half comeback against Tunisia.

Both players had a big part in Spain earning a 3-1 win and a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Raul and Fabregas entered the pitch after the re-start with Spain trailing 1-0 after Jaouhar Mnari had given Tunisia an early lead.

While Raul scored the equaliser, Fabregas set up Fernando Torres, who put his team ahead before killing the game from the penalty spot one minute from full-time.

"Raul and Fabregas' interpretation of our play was extraordinary," said Aragones.

"Raul's goal gave us the spirit to make a comeback while Fabregas directed the team to play our game."

Aragones admitted Tunisia made them work hard for the three points.

"We have suffered tonight," he said.

"I knew that Tunisia were a good team and their goal really de-stabilised my team.

"Although we had some opportunities in the opening half but we still struggled."

Spain now take on Saudi Arabia in their last Group H game and Aragones has confirmed he will rest his top players.

"The team will be completely different against Saudi Arabia," he said.

"I need to allow my players to recover after their incredible effort today."

Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre said: "We made individual errors and it's a pity because we were strong collectively.

"We are deeply disappointed because we played at our best.

"I don't think my team eased up in the second half, on the contrary.

"The result changed rapidly but I believe my team has given a good image having kept Spain out for 70 minutes.

"The Spaniards will have to think about this."

Tunisia will be looking for their first victory in Germany, having drawn 2-2 in their opener against Saudi Arabia, when they take on Ukraine.

The Ukrainians, who demolished Saudi Arabia 4-0 early on Monday, must win against Tunisia to have a chance of joining Spain in the second round.

"I hope that we can make it happen against Ukraine," said Lemerre.

"I'm not an optimist, I'm realistic.

"We are aware that we are going to have a very difficult game against Ukraine.

"I believe Ukraine are in the same situation as we are. We knew that everything would be decided in the last match."