Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Football friendlies: Netherlands haunt Spain; Italy hold England

April 01, 2015 08:22 IST

Vitolo of Spain goes to ground challenged by Daryl Janmaat

Vitolo of Spain goes to ground challenged by Daryl Janmaat, left, and Stefan de Vrij of Netherlands during the international friendly match. Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Netherlands revived bitter Spanish memories from last year's World Cup finals when they beat a second-string La Roja 2-0 in a friendly on Tuesday to become the first team to inflict two defeats on coach Vicente del Bosque.

Rather than reliving their World Cup final triumph against the Dutch from 2010, Spain were overrun in the opening 20 minutes at the Amsterdam Arena, falling behind to goals from Stefan de Vrij in the 13th minute and Davy Klaassen three minutes later.

The superiority of the home side recalled their 5-1 thrashing of the Spanish in the group stage in Brazil last year, a defeat which signalled the end of Spain’s glittering six-year run when they won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

Del Bosque, who had not lost twice to the same side since taking over in 2008, did field a largely experimental lineup, with Malaga forward Juanmi and Sevilla midfielder Vitolo making their international debuts.

However, he will have been concerned that the presence of the likes of experienced campaigners Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla in his midfield did not prevent Netherlands from running away with the match in the early stages.

Spain and Netherlands have both stuttered in qualifying for Euro 2016, the Dutch in particular struggling at the halfway stage in Group A.

England grounded in Turin after Italy draw

Andros Townsend of England

Andros Townsend of England, right, scores the first goal during the international friendly match between Italy and England. Photograph: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

England were stranded in Turin on Tuesday night following their 1-1 international friendly draw with Italy after their flight was delayed due to ‘technical issues’.

"We only know it's a technical issue. That is all we know," England manager Roy Hodgson told reporters.

"It has put the flight tonight out of the question, so we hope to leave tomorrow relatively early. It's a shame because we like to get back straight away."

The squad will stay for an extra night at their Turin hotel before flying back at lunchtime on Wednesday.

England substitute Andros Townsend grabbed a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at the Juventus stadium to preserve their unbeaten run since the World Cup, which now stands at eight matches.

Fellaini goal earns Belgium 1-0 win over Israel

Marouane Fellaini of Belgium

Marouane Fellaini of Belgium in action. Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Marouane Fellaini grabbed an early goal as 10-man Belgium survived Israel's spirited second-half performance to earn a 1-0 win in Euro 2016 qualifying Group B in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Belgium dominated the first half but could not capitalise beyond Fellaini's close-range effort in the ninth minute when he was teed up by captain Vincent Kompany who was later sent off.

The visitors lacked urgency for the rest of the match and almost paid a high price for failing to increase their lead when defender Kompany was dismissed in the 64th for a second booking.

Israel, who struggled to find an opening against stout Belgian defending until Kompany's departure, then found gaps and created chances, though most of their efforts were wayward.

The fixture was the only Euro qualifier of the night. It was scheduled to be played last September but had to be postponed because of the war between Israel and Gaza militants.

US concede another late goal in Swiss draw

Valentin Stocker of Switzerland

Valentin Stocker of Switzerland, left, scores the equalising goal against William Yarbrough of the USA. Photograph: Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images

Switzerland's Valentin Stocker netted an equaliser as United States continued their recent habit of conceding late goals and were held to a 1-1 draw in a friendly on Tuesday.

Brek Shea rifled home a free kick at the end of the first half to give Juergen Klinsmann's team a deserved lead but they were pegged back by with 10 minutes left after poor defending.

The visitors, who have won only two out of nine games since the World Cup as they undergo a rebuilding process, played the last quarter of the match with 10 men after having Jozy Altidore sent off.

Altidore, one of the most experienced players on the US team, clipped an opponent from behind and was sent off as he argued about the decision with referee Luca Banti.

The US conceded two goals in the last 10 minutes in last week's 3-2 defeat to Denmark and also gave away late goals in friendlies against Honduras (1-1), Ecuador (1-1), Colombia (1-2) and Ireland (1-4).

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.