Euro 2008

Qualifying group F

Liechtenstein 0 - Spain 2

Liechtenstein: Jehle; Ritzberger, Hasler, Martín Stocklasa, Michael Stocklasa (Telser 30'); Ronny Büchel, Burgmeir, Polverino; Mario Frick, Rohrer (Daniel Frick 59'), Thomas Beck (Roger Beck 83'). 4-3-3.
Spain: Reina; Sergio Ramos, Javi Navarro, Marchena, Capdevila (Antonio López 52'); Xabi Alonso, Cesc (Luis García 68'); Joaquín, Iniesta, David Silva (Soldado 77'); David Villa. 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 08. David Villa. Ran on to Cesc's pass and rounded Jehle to score.
0-2. 14. David Villa. Spectacular overhead kick from David Silva's lifted cross.

Spain moved up to second in their group after beating Liechtenstein 0-2. Luis Aragonés used the opportunity against the theoretically weakest team in the group to give a run out to some of his lesser used players, resting Casillas, Puyol and Albelda and drafting in Reina, Javi Navarro, Cesc and Xabi Alonso. And it couldn't have started better, with David Villa running on to Cesc's pass to open the scoring in the eighth minute and the Valencia striker getting a spectacular second just six minutes later with an overhead kick from David Silva's cross.

But there it ended, and although Spain carved out several chances they were unable to add to their total. Iniesta hit the post when free in front of goal later in the first half, and Jehle saved at point blank range from Xabi Alonso soon after the restart. And there was even a scare at the other end when Burgmeier curled a shot against the post.

Silva and Ramos both failed to find the target as the rain started to fall heavily, and substitutes Luis García and Soldado fared no better. Then with the game already in injury time it looked as if the visitors were at least going to make it three after Jehle brought down Villa in the penalty area, but even then they failed, Villa firing his spot kick against the crossbar to miss out on his hat-trick. In the end though the result was what counted, and after a fourth win in a row Spain are finally up into the qualifying places.