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Rediff.com  » Sports » Football friendlies: Spain down England; Double for Dutchman Robben

Football friendlies: Spain down England; Double for Dutchman Robben

Last updated on: November 14, 2015 11:20 IST
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Mario Gaspar

IMAGE: Spain's Mario Gaspar (24) celebrates with Paco Alcacer Garcia (9). Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Spain fullback Mario Gaspar scored with a stunning volley and midfielder Santi Cazorla added a late goal as the European champions handed England a chastening 2-0 defeat in a friendly between the continental heavyweights on Friday.

Neither captain Iker Casillas in the Spain goal nor his England counterpart Joe Hart were much troubled before Cesc Fabregas lifted the ball over the England defence for Gaspar to strike in the 72nd minute at the Jose Rico Perez stadium.

The Villarreal defender, who scored on his debut in a 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifying victory against Ukraine last month, watched the ball come over his shoulder and swivelled to hook it brilliantly past Hart into the far corner.

Juan Mata had a chance to double Spain's lead four minutes later when he was through on goal but Hart did well to block his effort before Nolito teed up Cazorla to stroke the ball into the bottom corner six minutes from time.

"I tried to finish off the attack and the ball just went where it had to go," Gaspar told Spanish television. "It was one of the best goals of my life."

Double for Dutchman Robben

Arjen Robben

IMAGE: Wales's Joe Allen is challenged by Netherlands's Arjen Robben during the international friendly match. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Netherlands enjoyed a 3-2 friendly win away to a weakened Wales on Friday with Arjen Robben proving the match-winner with two goals from his lethal left foot as they put their failure to reach Euro 2016 to one side.

Robben twice re-established the visitors' lead in the second half, after a battling Wales -- who have reached their first major tournament since 1958 with a place in France -- had manfully stayed in the encounter despite being outplayed.

Bas Dost headed the Dutch in front after 32 minutes before Joe Ledley equalised and Wales's Emyr Huws then pulled the hosts level again after Robben had danced into the area to score.

Robben then struck the winner in the 81st minute after racing clear to slot calmly into the net.

The Netherlands came into the game still reeling from missing out on next year's European Championship having finished fourth in Group A with four wins from 10 games.

The contrast in mood with Friday's opponents could not have been starker as Wales celebrated their achievement in qualifying for the finals before an enthusiastic Cardiff crowd.

Belgium beat Italy 3-1 to send Euro 2016 warning to rivals

Jan Vertonghen of Belgium (5) celebrates

IMAGE: Jan Vertonghen of Belgium (5) celebrates after scoring during the international friendly match against Italy. Photograph: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Belgium came from behind to beat Italy 3-1 in an open and entertaining friendly in Brussels on Friday, underlining their status as one of the favourites for next year's Euro 2016.

A largely full-strength Italy took the lead inside three minutes when Belgium keeper Simon Mignolet, given a rare start, pulled off a great low save to deny Graziano Pelle, but could only push the ball to Antonio Candreva for a simple tap-in.

Belgium, who came into the game top of FIFA's rankings, were level 10 minutes later when a totally unmarked Jan Vertonghen headed in a Kevin De Bruyne corner.

De Bruyne finally put the hosts ahead in the 74th minute, beating Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who had just parried a shot from substitute Michy Batshuayi.

Batshuayi then slammed in a third in the 83rd minute.

Belgium were missing captain Vincent Kompany with a calf injury and began with a largely untested right flank.

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Source: REUTERS
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