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News Archive

Friendly international

Panamá 1 - Spain 5

Another friendly in a far-off land, Spain running out 1-5 winners in Panamá. Del Bosque's side have been in big demand throughout the world after recent successes, and once again they undertook a grueling trip to play this mid-week match in Central America. The coach rested a few of his stars, the likes of Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres all staying at home, but the squad he did take were more than a match for their opponents in the Rommel Fernández stadium. Pedro followed up his recent hat-trick against Belarus with two more this evening, the first after combining with Iniesta on the quarter hour mark, and the second after Mata sent him away to ghost round Penedo shortly before the break. In between David Villa scored his 53rd goal for his country, beating the ex Osasuna B keeper after a good run by Iniesta, and there were a string of missed chances in the second half before Sergio Ramos made it four with a well struck free kick (something he is not often allowed to do for his club!). A few minutes later debutant Susaeta got his first goal for his country from a cross by Navas, who earlier on had hit the post, and Panama's long suffering fans were finally rewarded when Gabriel Gómez beat Casillas with a soft penalty after Barahona was tripped by Beñat. Mission accomplished, but perhaps the best news of all was that there were no serious injuries. (14.11.12)