Friendly international

Spain 2 - Argentina 1

Luis Aragonés may have saved his job, at least for a little bit longer, after Spain beat Argentina 2-1 in this friendly international.

Names such as Miguel Angel Lotina had already been bandied about in the press as possible replacements for the team coach after another defeat against Sweden at the weekend in their qualifying group, but both management and players rallied behind the veteran manager, who started the game at the newly inaugurated Nueva Condomina stadium in Murcia with a similar line up.

Xavi put the locals ahead with just over a half an hour gone with a spectacular shot from outside of the area, but just over a minute later Bilos equalised after Messi set him up. David Villa got the winner though from the penalty spot after Ayala tripped Iniesta in the second half.

Spain's problems increased however after the day's other results, with their closest rivals Sweden, Denmark and Northern Ireland all winning their group games. (11.10.06)