Spain stole a dramatic 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier courtesy of record-breaking David Villa.
Villa scored a late brace to increase his tally to 46 international goals, making him Spain’s all-time top goal-scorer ahead of Raul (44).His milestone was undoubtedly lost on the Czech Republic, who looked set for an upset of epic proportions at Granada’s Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes following Jaroslav Plasil’s early goal.But Villa’s goals, the second of which came from a heartbreaking penalty call against the visitors, ensured Spain would stretch their winning streak in Euro 2012 qualifying to four games.The reigning world and European champions sit on top of Group I with 12 points, six clear of second-place Czech Republic.Plasil’s opener on 29 minutes came against the run of play, the Bordeaux midfielder taking a pass from Arsenal man Tomas Rosicky well outside the area and blasting a low shot past Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.As the hour ticked over and Spain failed to nab an equaliser, the visitors had to think they were a chance of stealing at least a point from their all-conquering opponents.But it all fell apart in a three-minute period as Villa stole the match off his own boot, beginning with a bit of individual brilliance in the 69th minute.The Barcelona superstar collected Andres Iniesta’s pass at the edge of the area, cut inside his marker and split two defenders and Czech custodian Petr Cech with a stinging low strike inside the right post.Three minutes later, Czech defender Jan Rezek cut down Iniesta in the area with a needless challenge, and Villa slammed the spot kick wide of Cech for a 2-1 lead.Spain overran the visitors in the latter stages and could have had another through substitute Fernando Torres, whose attempt was well saved by his Chelsea team-mate at the line.
Sat 26 March, 2011