(1-0) 17' Hawsawi, (1-1) 31' Villa, (1-2) 60' Alonso, (2-2) 74' Al Numare, (2-3) 92' Llorente
Spain had to rely on a last gasp Fernando Llorente header to edge past a battling Saudi Arabi in Innsbruck, with a lethargic performance that will have Del Bosque a little worried less than two weeks before South Africa 2010 begins. Better they get games like this out of their system before the World Cup, as performances like this could be fatal in the latter stages of a tournament. Although thats exactly what these friendlies are for. Blow away the post-season cobwebs and get into stride before the serious business begins.
There were a few worrying signs in defense, not least a glaring error from Iker Casillas for Saudi Arabias opener which will undoubtedly open a pointless Casillas v Valdes debate, whilst Spains midfield was uncharacteristically careless in possession. Only Xavi and Iniesta looking capable of cracking open a stubborn Saudi backline and it was the returning Andres Iniesta, showing no signs of rustiness, who turned inside and sent over an inch-perfect cross for his new Barca teammate David Villa to nod Spain level. 'El Guaje' is now only seven behind Rauls record of 44 international goals for 'La Roja'.
Xabi Alonso struck a trademark goal from outside the box on the hour to put Spain infront, before Saudi Arabia sprung another surprise to pull themselves level; a well.worked move leading to Al Numares' shot which took a slight deflection leaving Casillas helplessly wrong-footed. Vicente del Bosque rung the changes, handing debuts to Pedro and Javi Martinez in the process, before Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who had looked dangerous alongside fellow substitute Jesus Navas, headed in a late corner to hand Spain victory. The bigman will be vital in the World Cup, offering a solid alternative to Villa and Torres if things aren't running smoothly upfront. Another positive to have come out of this match, is that it's shown once more that this Spain side has winning firmly fixed in their DNA. Next up South Korea.
Steve, I think that after this performance, we might have been overestimating Spain for this upcoming World Cup. If they have days like this against a team like Saudi Arabia, I think that they could crash in South Africa.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think?
Casillas vs Valdes debate? When Reina is better than both of them. That doesn't really make sense.
ReplyDeleteSP: Agreed. If they play like that against Brazil, Argentina, or even the usual suspects who always seem to be there or thereabouts (Italy, Germany, Portugal......England :) ) they could be in trouble. Just have to hope its a case of saving themselves for South Africa, not wanting to get injured etc...possibly underestimating Saudi Arabia. Besides the importance and nerves of a WC match will bring out the best in them.
ReplyDeleteCasillas v Valdes? I agree, Reina is as good as both of them. Difficult to say better. But over here they love a Real Madrid v Barca argument in the press. When I said pointless I had meant to put...pointless as in Reina has already been named by Del Bosque as the number 2 keeper ;)
playing a friendly in a half empty stadium in Austria is not the same as playing in a packed stadium in a World Cup match. I am sure come the World Cup proper, Spain will be ready.
ReplyDeleteAs for the goalkeeper situation. Personally I think Valdes has had the best season out of the three of them and if the choice were made on purely football reasons then he would be number one. However, Casillas is number one for more than just football reasons. He is the captain and leader of the team and is being rewarded for past perfomances.