Ukraine secured an opening 5-0 victory over Spain at the IFCPF Men's World Cup ©Getty Images

Vitalii Romanchuk starred for Ukraine with a brace in a dominant 5-0 victory against hosts Spain in the opening match of the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) Men’s World Cup at the Futbol Salou Stadium.

Before the tournament, the IFCPF launched a campaign to raise funds so that Ukraine could participate in this year's edition.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine had otherwise threatened to stop the team from being able to take part.

In the curtain-raiser, Ukraine were initially close to falling behind when Spain's Daniel Zanzajo Alejandre had a chance in the 11th minute to take a shock lead, but he could not capitalise.

A minute later, Serhii Bedenok put Ukraine in front.

Romanchuk swiftly added a brace before Bohdan Dembik put Ukraine 4-0 in front at the interval

Ukraine started the second half where they left off, imposing themselves on Spain’s defence, but good work at the back kept the Ukrainians out.

This was until the 56th minute when Ivan Donenko rounded off the victory.

Ukraine are top of Group D, with only one match played today.

Tomorrow’s matches are set to involve Argentina and Northern Ireland getting their Group D campaigns underway, while Group B begins with Ireland taking on Germany and Brazil playing Thailand.

An Opening Ceremony was held prior to the first match which included speeches from IFCPF representative Paulo Cruz, Salou Mayor Pere Granados and Catalan Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation President Carles Muñoz.