David Villa, Spain's most prolific striker to date, scored the first goal on the occasion. He is now only 7 goals behind reaching the record for Spain's All-time top scorer, set by Raul.Spain won today against Saudi Arabia 3-2, but the team's form left a lot to be desired. La Furia Roja played rather sloppy and conservative, contrary to their typical accurate, faster-paced attacking form.
The first half was mostly disappointing, as Saudi Arabia landed the first strike, scoring off a corner that had Casillas and the defenders beat. I have to say, Saudi Arabia deserved to score; Spain were playing like absolute crap. Sloppy plays, turn overs, too much waiting around to open up gaps in the defense...it was too tactical...only the tactical part was inaccurate anyways. Spain would eventually score, shortly after the 30 minute mark. Iniesta played a perfect cross into the 18, right to the head of star striker David Villa, who put it away without trouble into the top left. With that goal, he has moved even farther up the All-time top scorer list in Spain's history, only 7 goals away from reaching Raul's 1st place record of 44.
Half-time would come and both teams would head to the locker rooms. As play resumed, it was still practically the same game. A little after the 60 minute mark, Xabi Alonso would slot home a shot from outside the 18, one that caught the Saudi Arabian Goalkeeper totally off guard, going in the other direction. The Saudi Arabians would equalize in about the 74th, as they hung around outside the 18. The Spanish defense scrambled to take care of the threat, but failed, as Saudi Arabia got a shot off on the 18 yard line. It flew past a baffled Casillas who had started preparing for the shot, but realized it was too late as it deflected off a Saudi Arabian, and went into the opposite corner of goal. Del Bosque used some of his subs, as he put in Jesus Navas, Capdevila, Pedro, and Llorente. Capdevila was a breath of fresh air, as Arbeloa does not seem to live up to expectations as a wing defender. Also, the exit of Busquets was a pleasure. Those 2 do not deserve to be starting, and neither does Alonso in my opinion. Alonso is not an impressive defensive midfielder. Senna did the job for Spain very well in Euro 2008, and did it 10 times better. Alonso has powerful shots, but his midfield skills leave a lot to be desired. Arbeloa just doesn't cut it on the wing, Capdevila has more finesse with the ball, and is much more aggressive. Busquets is an average player who doesn't deserve a spot on the starting 11. The game still remained rather sloppy, but improved a little after the changing of some players. Pedro and Jesus Navas, who were sent into the game by Del Bosque, had some good efforts on the wings, but none ended in a goal. 90 minutes neared, and it seemed like the game wouldn't be won by any team. But, Llorente, who has an excellent goals per appearance record, proved that assumption wrong. In the 91st, the tall striker jumped up to meet the ball off a corner, and it went right into the net, giving Spain the last minute winner.
Overall, the way this game was played was not very typical of Spain. In fact, it is in direct contrast with how they usually play. However, it was only a friendly, and maybe they were just having a bad game (I'd rather they get that out of their system now). Especially before the World Cup, you don't want to go full out and risk an injury. And again, it is only a friendly, meaning it doesn't count for anything. Thankfully, no one was injured, and quite a few subs got the chance to play. But I will say one thing...if this is the kind of Spain that is going to South Africa, then we're in deep trouble. Let's hope La Furia Roja picks up the pace and shakes this rust off.
Denise
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