Friday, May 18th, 2012
Spain moved 6 points clear at the top of Group I with a comfortable win over the Czech Republic in Granada. Despite finding themselves a goal down at half time, the world champions dominated throughout and were it not for the impressive Petr Cech, could have won by a lot more. Vicente Del Bosque surprised most people by starting Jesus Navas in place of Fernando Torres, meaning David Villa started upfront alone. In the midfield Xavi was making his 100th appearance for the national side.
As expected, the home side dominated possession from the start and almost went in front after just two minutes. After some patient build up play, Iniesta created some space for himself on the edge of the Czech box but his shot was well saved by Chelsea stopper Petr Cech. A minute later the home side had another chance when Capdevila headed just wide from a Jesus Navas cross.
Spain continued dominating possession but it took until 25 minutes before they created their next meaningful chance when David Villa’s half volley was well saved by Cech. The visitors who had been content to sit in and hit on the break, still hadn’t had a shot on goal but on 28 minutes they stunned the home crowd by taking the lead. Former Osasuna player Jaroslav Plasil picked the ball up midway inside the Spanish half and unleashed a powerful low drive which flew in off Casillas’ left hand post.
Clearly shocked at going a goal down, Spain tried to up the tempo but despite continuing to dominate possession they couldn’t break down a well disciplined Czech defense. Without a strike partner, Villa looked isolated although he almost levelled just before the break when his downward header was turned round the post by Cech.
Half time gave Del Bosque a chance to make some changes and that’s exactly what he did, introducing Fernando Torres for Xabi Alonso. However, even with two strikers on the pitch, Spain still couldn’t convert their possession into chances. On 55 minutes Cazorla came on for Capdevila and with his first touch of the game he tested Cech from distance.
When the hour mark arrived Spain finally warmed to the task with Ramos missing from barely a yard out after an excellent Iniesta cross. Two minutes later David Villa created space for himself on the edge of the box but dragged his shot just past Cech’s left hand post and a minute after that Iniesta had a good effort flash just past Cech’s other post.
The visitors were now struggling to hang on and on 69 minutes the inevitable equaliser arrived. Iniesta threaded a lovely pass through to Villa who held off a couple of tackles before drilling the ball past Cech from the edge of the box. It was Villa’s 45th goal for the Spanish national side, meaning he overtook Raúl to become Spain’s all time leading goalscorer. The home side were now well on top and three minutes after equalising they got the chance to take the lead when Rezek brought down Iniesta in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. David Villa stepped up and although Cech got a touch the ball ended up in the back of the net.
With the game now completely turned on its head, the Czechs had to respond but they simply couldn’t get the ball from a Spanish side who should have added more through Torres who wasted two good chances to make the score more emphatic. In the end it didn’t matter as Spain saw the game out without any problems to virtually guarantee qualification for Euro 2012.
Tags: David Villa, Spanish National Team
