Spain produced another fine display against Cameroon (UEFA)Quick strikes suit Spain
Sunday, 6 February 2005
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PrintBy Andrew Haslam at Mukan Perinçek stadium
A devastating seven-minute spell shortly before half-time enabled Spain to recorded a second impressive UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup victory, goals from David Rodríguez Lombán, Francisco Javier García and Rayco Garcia helping Juan Santisteban's side to a 4-0 win against Cameroon in Aydin.
Delayed breakthrough
Spain had largely controlled the match and created the better opportunities, but without finding a way past Cameroon goalkeeper Jules Stéphane Goda. However, Lombán's 38th-minute header was the cue for the Iberian side to take control, with further goals from Javi García and Rayco following in quick succession and Israel Bascon adding a late fourth.
Widespread changes
Both coaches made changes, Santisteban resting five of the starting lineup that defeated Sierra Leone 3-0 on Friday, with two-goal Carlos Carmona among those dropping to the bench and 16-year-old forward Diego Capel starting. Cameroon coach Engelbert Mbarga made four alterations from the side that suffered a 7-0 defeat against France, Goda, Luther Angoh Medjo, Jean Baptiste Dalle and Jean Didier Mbenoje coming in.
Contrasting styles
The opening minutes offered an interesting contrast, with Cameroon peppering their opponents with long, high balls, while Spain were content to keep possession and probe for weaknesses. Spain's approach initially appeared to be the more successful, with Rayco and Mario Suárez both having early sights of goal following a break down the right from Israel. The African Under-17 champions might have taken the lead in the 23rd minute as Irenee Mbele burst clear and rounded Javier Mandaluniz, but the striker missed his kick and Christian Heumi's follow-up was kicked off the line.
Simple header
Both sides were creating chances, but it was Spain who made the breakthrough as half-time approached. David Mateos retrieved possession following a corner and crossed from the right for the unmarked Lombán, who had the simple task of heading into the corner of the net.
Decisive spell
The goal visibly deflated Cameroon and Spain scored twice more in the final moments of the half to effectively seal their win. First, Goda spilled Rayco's header from Israel's cross and Javi García reacted quickest to prod in the loose ball, before Rayco beat Goda and flicked in Spain's third in added time.
Smart stop
The interval allowed Cameroon the chance to regroup and the second half was more even, although Spain still created the better chances, Rayco turning Daniel González's left-wing cross just too high. Cameroon also had opportunities, Lombán heading away after Mbele had lifted the ball over Javier Mandaluniz, who then saved smartly from substitute Brice Owana.
Clever chip
Spanish replacement Pedraza was the architect of his side's fourth goal with eight minutes left, splitting the Cameroonian defence for Israel to lift the ball over the on-rushing Goda. There was still time for the Cameroon goalkeeper to produce a fine save from Imanol Agirretxe and Marcos García's left-foot volley to strike the post, but Spain had already wrapped up a second comfortable win and next play Egypt on Tuesday, when Cameroon meet Portugal.
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