Xavi strikes as Spain win

Spain 1-0 United States
Spain finished their UEFA EURO 2008™ preparations with a valuable victory against the United States in Santander thanks to a marvellous moment of invention by Xavi Hernández after 78 minutes.

Hard to beat
After Luis Aragonés's side won their weekend friendly against Peru with a dramatic late goal, Spain's credentials as a team who are hard to beat have been enhanced. But defensive lapses and a lack of creativity throughout the majority of a tense match leave question marks to accompany their arrival in Austria. The nervous first-half display was typified by a couple of moments which will concern Spain's technical staff.

In trouble
Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena, who had been spoken to by the coach about the goal conceded against Peru, again failed to convince as a partnership. The former recovered to thump the ball clear after an early mistake, but it was an indicator of work still to be done. Spain's other worry, according to Aragonés, is that they must become more clinical with their chances. Xavi missed the target with an eighth-minute header from a clever Sergio Ramos cross, although the midfielder would make amends later.

Near misses
As the Santander crowd showed their frustration at the gentle pace of proceedings, David Silva made room for a centre which Fernando Torres met with his left foot only to be defied by US goalkeeper Tim Howard. For Bob Bradley's team, the main aim was containment. However, with seven minutes to half-time, Eddie Johnson sprinted beyond Puyol and only a smart save from Iker Casillas prevented Spain from falling behind.

Taking control
The hosts' change of personnel in the second half brought about a change in attitude and tempo too. Daniel Güiza and Marcos Senna came on for Xabi Alonso and Torres, with Senna combining impressively with Xavi and with Güíza showing infectious enthusiasm. And after Johnson was wayward with a free header, Spain suddenly hit their rhythm. Xavi's 62nd-minute free-kick struck the crossbar then five minutes later, following Spain's best move of the match, Senna's fierce shot clipped the post.

Perfect finish
Belief now ran through the home ranks and Spain's winning goal came in spectacular fashion 12 minutes from time. Xavi took possession just inside the final third of the pitch and skipped cleverly away from three challenges before tricking substitute goalkeeper Brad Guzan with a lovely finish to secure victory.

Spain: Casillas, Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila (Navarro 52), Alonso (Senna 46), Cazorla, Xavi, Fàbregas (Arbeloa 84), Silva (De la Red 58), Torres (Güiza 46).

United States: Howard (Guzan 46), Cherundolo (Hejduk 46), Onyewu, Bocanegra, Pearce, Dempsey (Mastroeni 86), Freddy Adu (Beasley 46), Bradley, Lewis (Wolff 70), Mo Adu, Johnson.