Villa and Alonso score as Spain sink Venezuela
Reuters - Tuesday 07 June 2011, 23:10
PUERTO LA CRUZ - David Villa
and Xabi Alonso netted long-range free kicks from near-identical
positions to help Spain to a 3-0 win over Venezuela in a
friendly international on Tuesday.
The world and European champions' victory, to which Pedro
contributed a 20th-minute goal, was their 39th in 44 matches
under coach Vicente del Bosque, putting him one clear of his
immediate predecessor Luis Aragones to set a national record.
Del Bosque said the team's end of season tour, on which they
also recorded a 4-0 victory over the United States in Boston,
had been a resounding success and the squad was in great shape
ahead of the next Euro 2012 qualifiers in September and October.
"The important thing was to end the season on a high note
after a good year," he said in an interview with Spanish
television.
Striker Villa gave the visitors the lead in the fifth minute
when his curling shot from a central position 35 metres out beat
goalkeeper Renny Vega low to his left.
It was Villa's 47th goal in 75 internationals, extending his
lead over Raul (44) at the top of the scoring chart.
After Pedro made it 2-0 with a deflected shot from Villa's
assist, Alonso's strike moments before half-time found a gaping
hole in the defensive wall and Vega couldn't get down in time to
save, this time to his right.
"It was a tough match because of the state of the pitch and
the heat," Pedro told Spanish TV. "We are all looking forward to
a rest now when we can recharge the batteries."
In the second half, Spain continued to dominate but their
play, dictated by David Silva, was more direct. Silva and fellow
substitute Fernando Torres missed good chances.
Venezuela, warming up for next month's Copa America in
Argentina, showed plenty of industry but were outclassed by the
slick Spanish, who left several first-choice players, including
captain and keeper Iker Casillas, out of their starting line-up.
The home side's best chance fell to Giancarlo Maldonado in
the 18th minute when he sped clear into the penalty area but his
low shot was saved by the onrushing Victor Valdes.
Spain have now won all three of their meetings with the
"Vinotinto" - the Venezuelans' nickname for their team who wear
red-wine coloured shirts.