Spain...


Thursday, June 08, 2006




Spain beat Croatia 2-1
Fernando Torres scored a late winner and Mariano Pernia equalised in Spain's 2-1 victory over Croatia in the teams' final World Cup warmup on Wednesday.Argentina-born left back Pernia made his international debut after replacing the injured Asier del Horno in the squad last week.He scored with a low free kick which took a deflection off Croatia's Igor Tudor in the 62nd minute.
Torres, who had missed a 75th-minute penalty, avoided two defenders before firing a low, left-footed shot past goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa two minutes into injury time.Croatia took the lead in the 14th minute through an own-goal by Spain defender Pablo Ibanez.Spain's victory at Geneva stadium extended its undefeated run to 22 matches - 13 wins and nine draws - since coach Luis Aragones took charge after the team flopped in the European Championship two years ago.
Fruitful changes
Pernia's inclusion was one of seven changes Aragones made to the team which beat Egypt 2-0 on Saturday. Returning from injury for his 50th international appearance was right back Michel Salgado, while goalkeeper Pepe Reina replaced Iker Casillas. Another newcomer, right winger Joaquin Sanchez, spurned a clear chance in the first minute when he headed wide from David Villa's cross with Pletikosa stranded.

Posted by Samvit :: 10:06 AM :: 0 comments

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