Spain punish nine-man Belgium

Goals from Albert Luque and Raúl González ensured Spain picked up their first victory in FIFA World Cup Group 7 as they belatedly made their superiority tell against a Belgian side reduced to nine men in the second half.

Deflandre off
The match turned in Spain's favour with the 29th minute dismissal of Eric Deflandre, but they were not able to make the man advantage count until substitute Luque struck on 59 minutes. Raúl added Spain's second four minutes after that, putting the result beyond doubt before Bart Goor too was sent off.

Influential pairing
Spain coach Luis Aragonés had kept faith with Raúl and José Antonio Reyes up front while injured defender Juanito Gutiérrez was replaced by Asier Del Horno as the home side looked to improve on last month's draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Clément in
Belgian coach Aimé Anthuenis made several changes from the side that had drawn at home to Lithuania, and started with Mbo Mpenza as a lone striker in the hope of containing Spain. Philippe Clément replaced the injured Timmy Simons at the back.

Early chance
The game began at a frantic pace, and striker Fernando Torres pounced on a mistake from goalkeeper Tristan Peersman in the first minute, but shot narrowly wide. The match was altered significantly on 29 minutes, when Deflandre was sent off for dissent. But though Spain pressed, Belgium were able to keep the game goalless until the break.

Luque scores
But after the restart Spain soon asserted their advantage. Aragonés introduced Luque, and he was presented with an immediate chance, Reyes passing to the young substitute, who shot straight at the goalkeeper. But Luque was not to be denied soon after. Played onside after a cutting pass again from Reyes, he had time and space to bring the ball down, then shoot past Peersman from close range.

Second goal
Spain relaxed, and doubled their lead minutes later. Again a defensive mistake contributed, the ball given away cheaply to Míchel Salgado, who measured a cross which found its target, captain Raúl making no mistake with a free header.

Goor off
Belgium's evening worsened in the 75th minute, when captain Goor appeared to spit at Xavi Hernández and was dismissed. But against nine men, Spain failed to increase their lead, despite great chances falling to Raúl and substitute Rubén Baraja. Spain play group leaders Lithuania on Wednesday, while Belgium host Serbia and Montenegro on 17 November.