Carlos Carmona (right) accepts congratulations after scoring (©uefa.com)Carmona keeps Spain on course
Tuesday, 8 February 2005
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PrintBy Eric Asomugha at Özer Türk stadium
A fine free-kick from Carlos Carmona a minute before half-time preserved Spain's perfect record in the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup and inflicted a narrow defeat on Egypt.
Free-kick winner
The RCD Mallorca midfield player curled in his third goal of this year's tournament in the 44th minute in Kusadasi, ensuring Spain's victory against their African opponents. Egypt had been reduced to ten men five minutes earlier when forward Ayman Mohamdy Farahat was dismissed after collecting his second yellow card, for failing to retreat at a free-kick.
Agirretxe opening
The European side largely dictated the pace of the game in the opening period and Egypt might have fallen behind as early as the fifth minute when, from Spain's second successive corner, Imanol Agirretxe had a shot saved by Ahmed Adel Ali.
Important combination
Egypt seldom threatened to breach a well-organised Spanish rearguard, although Ahmed El-Mohamdy Essa did dribble past two opponents in the 31st minute before shooting straight at Antonio Adán. Carmona and Antonio Barragan were linking up well down the Spanish right, and it was this combination that led to the decisive goal in the 44th minute, Carmona firing his free-kick across Ali and into the corner of the net.
Egyptian discipline
Despite the numerical disadvantage and half-time deficit, Ismail Youssef's team produced a disciplined and determined display after the break to frustrate their opponents. Although Spain again dictated the pace of the match, and began the second half at a frenetic tempo, they were unable to offer the same threat as they had shown in the first 45 minutes.
Diego danger
That attacking inertia led to the introduction of 16-year-old Sevilla FC forward Diego Capel in the 65th minute, and the substitute had a hand in Spain's best chance of the second period, breaking loose down the Spanish left after losing his marker and picking out Agirretxe for a shot that was blocked. Undeterred, Agirretxe regained possession immediately, but this time his header was claimed by Ali.
Final matches
Spain had already done enough, however, and will be confident of securing their fourth win in their final match, against Nigeria on Friday. Egypt, who remain the only African side to have taken a point following their draw with Portugal, close with a match against France on the same day.
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