Spain too good for the United States
Saturday, June 4, 2011
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United States 0-4 Spain
Two first-half goals from Santi Cazorla and another from Álvaro Negredo put Spain in control before Fernando Torres completed the friendly win.
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USA 0-4 Spain
Reigning world and European champions Spain secured a comfortable friendly victory against the United States thanks to a Santi Cazorla double and goals from Álvaro Negredo and Fernando Torres.
Vicente del Bosque's men – who lead UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group I with a perfect record – controlled the game in Foxborough, Massachusetts with the home side limited to very few chances. In the process they avenged their semi-final loss to the US at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
After an intriguing opening, Spain took the lead when Cazorla turned Xabi Alonso's cross past Tim Howard from 13 metres. Alonso was also the architect of Spain's second, his glorious pass finding Negredo who raced clear of the American defence before holding his nerve to double the visitors' lead.
Del Bosque's charges extended their advantage shortly before the break, David Silva this time supplying Cazorla for his second of the match. Torres completed the scoring in the second half with a neat finish that went in off the post.
Spain visit Venezuela on Tuesday and Italy on 10 August for further friendlies before returning to UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying action against Liechtenstein on 6 September, when they may be able to clinch a place in the finals.
