David Silva lifts Spain over China
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E-mail Xinhua, June 4, 2012
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Fernando Torres of Spain tries to dribble past China's goalkeeper in a Euro 2012 warm-up match on June 4, 2012. |
Spain finished their preparation for the European Championships with a narrow 1-0 win at home to a hard- working Chinese national side on Sunday.
The Chinese, coached by former Spain boss Jose Antonio Camacho, played well in the first half and created chances against Spain, before defending stoutly until David Silva scored the only goal of the game with just over 5 minutes remaining in the game.
Vicente Del Bosque preferred Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo in his starting 11 ahead of Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente, but it was China who had the first chance as the Chinese captain Zheng Zhi failed to take advantage of a fine chance after rounding Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas and ended up shooting into the side netting. Back at the other end Negredo saw a shot cleared off the line by the Chinese defense as Spain began to control possession of the ball.
Despite Spain's dominance, Hao Junmin tested Casillas with another shot half way though the half and it needed an magnificent save from the Spain keeper to deny Zheng Zhi after 29 minutes.
The Chinese No. 10 did well to try and finish off a rapid break, but his shot hit Casillas' outstretched leg and bounced clear.
Del Bosque made several changes at halftime bringing on winger Jesus Navas and striker Fernando Torres along with Andres Iniesta and his Barcelona companion Victor Valdes, who replaced Casillas in goal.
Navas' entry gave more pace to Spain and China keeper Zeng Chen did well to tip over from Iniesta seven minutes into the second half.
The keeper then did well to clear from Torres after Spain looked to catch out an advanced China back line.
Just after the hour Spain hit the woodwork twice in the space of a minute -- first through Raul Albiol, who headed a corner against the crossbar following a flick from Torres, before Iniesta was unlucky to see an individual move end with another shot against the bar.
In the second half, China were finding it much harder to trouble the Spanish penalty area as the home side looked to open the scoring.
Spain looked to be on the point of scoring several times before Sun Xiang hit a low left-foot free kick which Valdes gathered cleanly with just over 10 minutes remaining, while at the other end David Silva headed over the bar when he should have scored.
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China's Zheng Zhi shoots in front of Raul Albiol of Spain in a Euro 2012 warm-up match on June 4, 2012. |
Silva finally opened the scoring with five minutes remaining after a darting run from Iniesta, which opened up the Chinese defense to leave him with a simple tap-in.
Navas went close just afterwards and Spain had a second goal ruled out for offside, but a heavier defeat would have been hard on China.
Speaking after the game Silva complemented China on their display as well as highlighting Iniesta for his pass to set up the goal.
