If you are not a member yet, you can sign up here

News Archive

Friendly international

Spain 2 - Costa Rica 1

Spain beat Costa Rica 2-1 in a warm up game three days before their European qualifier against Belarus. There was a bit of added spice to the match as the two current Real Madrid keepers, Casillas and Keylor Navas, were in the squads, as well as the man tipped to replace them in the Madrid starting line up, De Gea, and Del Bosque gave the Manchester United number one pride of place in a starting eleven which also included debutant Aleix Vidal. It only took the Central Americans six minutes to beat him however, Venegas connecting with Joel Campbell’s cross to fire a low shot inside the near post. Just two minutes later though Paco Alcácer equalized after Fàbregas played a long ball from Sergio Ramos into his path, and on the half hour mark Fàbregas made it two after Nolito laid a long Vidal centre into the six yard box. Navas made two first class saves from Ramos after the restart, and Bartra and David Silva both went close, with Bryan Ruíz firing a shot over the top for the visitors later on as both coaches made the usual round of substitutions. A good curtain raiser though for Sunday night’s big match, and the only real complaint Del Bosque had was about some whistles from the Real Madrid supporters in the crowd when Piqué came on, protesting about his remarks during Barcelona’s triple celebration. (11.06.15)