Villa sinks Belgium as Spain march on

David Villa was the hero again as his late strike completed a Spanish comeback victory in Brussels and made it four wins out of four for Vicente Del Bosque's side in Group 5.

Vast support
An estimated 13,000 visiting fans flocked to the Roi Baudouin Stadium to support the European champions but they were given an early shock when Wesley Sonck headed the hosts in front on seven minutes. Andrés Iniesta hauled his side level later in the first half, though, before Villa ended Belgium's unbeaten start to qualification with a header of his own in the 88th minute.

Belgium domination
The home team should have been behind two minutes in but Stijn Stijnen made a double save from Fernando Torres and Villa. The feat spurred on René Vandereycken's men and, when their first corner was not properly defended by Spain, Vincent Kompany crossed from the left for Sonck to nod it past Iker Casillas. Belgium had begun with a barracade of five defenders and two defensive midfielders, and with Axel Witsel, Steven Defour and Sonck providing attacking intent, and for half an hour they seemed comfortable with their lead, particularly after Fernando Torres limped off injured.

Spain spirit
But, nine minutes before the interval, Iniesta was given possession by Marouane Fellaini and broke into the area before firing past Stijnen and into the right corner from a narrow angle to restore parity. At the start of the second period, Belgium found fresh impetus and it led to opportunities for Fellaini, Defour and Witsel, with the third-mentioned forcing Casillas into a fine save. However, Spain came again with Cesc Fàbregas forcing Stijnen into a stop before Daniel Güiza crossed from the left and Villa evaded Thomas Vermaelen to seal a thrilling revival.