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Friendly international

Spain 2 - El Salvador 0

Washington, USA. Another victory for Spain in their second and final warm-up match prior to the World Cup, although they were held for a long time by the world’s 68th ranked side El Salvador before two goals by substitute David Villa gave them the win. Del Bosque gave a run out to his Champions League finalists, a last chance to test the fitness of Diego Costa and Juanfran, and both came through with flying colours. Costa caused a few problems for the opposing defence early on, and the Atlético striker won a third minute penalty off keeper Carrillo which Fàbregas fired in to the stands. Iniesta, Fàbregas and Pedro also went close before the break, but a packed defence held on until half time, at which point the coach made his first changes, bringing on Villa, Silva and Cazorla. That eventually did the trick, Villa getting in front of Costa to head the ball in to the net after Sergio Ramos headed a Xabi Alonso centre back across goal. Carrillo had to save from Villa and Costa after that, and Busquets rattled the crossbar with a long shot, but although Casillas (and later on debutant De Gea) had nothing to do, the result was still in doubt until Villa controlled a long ball from Silva on his chest to score his side’s second and his own 58th goal for his country. Holland and the rest will not let them off that easily. (07.06.14)