Del Horno header floors England
Wednesday 17 November 2004
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Spain's Asier Del Horno celebrates his goal against England (©AFP/Getty Images)
By Andy Hall at the Santiago Bernabéu
Spain 1-0 England
Asier Del Horno's early header proved enough for Spain to defeat England for the first time in 12 years in a friendly match in Madrid on Wednesday.
Spanish pressure
It was the home side that made the clearest claims during the opening half which later descended into a clash of flared tempers that the captains from each side attempted to quell. Spain took the lead after just nine minutes when Xavi Hernández's sweeping corner eluded everyone except left-back Asier Del Horno, whose header looped over Paul Robinson and nestled in the back of the net.
Neville alert
England seldom encroached on Iker Casillas's goal as the home team grew in confidence and the game turned into a midfield tussle. Spain captain Raúl González glanced a 20th-minute header just wide and then, during a quicksilver counter, Gary Neville was at hand to scoop away a Joaquín Sánchez cross as José Antonio Reyes pressed.
Robinson saves
Spain were awarded a penalty amid heated protests from England when Raúl was adjudged to have been brought down by Robinson on 24 minutes. But the visiting goalkeeper made amends by superbly palming Raúl's fiercely struck spot-kick to the floor.
Subdued second half
The second half was a subdued affair. Spain dominated, but a string of substitutions ensured the game took on a less aggressive tone following the heated tension of the first half. The result is Spain's first win against England since another 1-0 scoreline on 9 September 1992 when Gregorio Fonseca scored the winning goal in a friendly in Santander.
England lead
Spain return to competitive action on 9 February at home to San Marino in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 7, while England will hope to stretch their lead at the top of Group 6 with victory at home against Northern Ireland on 26 March.
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