Alonso keeps Spain flying high
Saturday 14 November 2009
e-mail
Print
Digg
Save
Xabi Alonso scored both Spain's goals (©Getty Images)
Spain 2-1 Argentina
Two goals from Xabi Alonso saw European champions Spain begin their 2010 FIFA World Cup preparations in style with victory against Diego Maradona's Argentina.
Messi in Madrid
Real Madrid CF's Alonso had struck in the 16th minute to give the hosts the lead, but FC Barcelona favourite Lionel Messi levelled matters with a penalty just after the hour. However, Alonso also converted from the spot with four minutes remaining to ensure Spain continue the form that saw them triumph in all ten of their qualifiers for next year's finals in South Africa.
Two penalties
Vicente del Bosque's side started in typically fluent fashion and soon went close when David Silva's pass narrowly evaded Valencia CF team-mate David Villa. The duo were again involved for the opener with Villa this time providing for Silva, whose shot was saved by Sergio Romero but fell into the path of Alonso. The visitors had their chances to equalise through Gonzalo Higuaín and Angel Di María yet failed to do so until Raúl Albiol felled Maxi Rodríguez in the penalty area, allowing Messi to slot in from the spot. The spoils looked destined to be shared until Martín Demichelis handled inside the area, leaving Alonso to do the rest.
©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved.
