Spain vs. El Salvador: Final score 2-0, David Villa scores brace to lead Spain
Spain weren’t great, but they didn’t have to me.
Spain dominated El Salvador at FedEx Field on Saturday, but their finishing wasn’t always there. Luckily for them, it was for David Villa on two occasions and they were able to ride that to a 2-0 win.
The defending world champions spent seemingly the entire first half on the ball, but they couldn’t score a goal. They had a chance four minutes in when they got a penalty, but Cesc Fabregas skied it over the bar and from that point on Henry Hernandez wasn’t even under fire. Spain just couldn’t break down El Salvador, passing the ball around 30 yards from goal before trying to hit a cross or bringing the ball back before going over the top to no avail.
At halftime, Spain had over 80 percent of possession, but only a couple chances.
It took until the hour mark before things really changed and, amazingly, a corner kick proved to be Spain's way through. A short corner came out to the corner of the box before a cross was hit to the back post. That's where Sergio Ramos was able to win a header and knock the ball back across to the front of goal. Diego Costa and Villa were there waiting for the ball and it was Villa who got to it first, heading the ball into the open net and giving Spain a 1-0 lead.
With a goal in hand, Spain had no reason to change much. They had a lead and El Salvador couldn’t get the ball, let alone threaten. They did do a better job creating chances and challenging Henry, but El Salvador still held on. That is until the 87th minute, when Villa was able to slot a shot just inside the post for a second goal.
Spain: Casillas (De Gea 83’), Martinez, Juanfran, Ramos, Alba, Fabregas (Villa 45’), Alonso (Busquets 68’), Koke, Iniesta (Silva 45’), Pedro (Cazorla 45’), Costa (Xavi 74’).
Goals: Villas 60, Villas 88.
El Salvador: Hernandez, Garcia, Barrios (Blanco 87’), Mendoza, Larin, Menjivar (Aguila 83’), Ceren, Santamaria (Renderos 57’), Alvarez (Alas 65’) Mejia (Molina 75’), Burgos.
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