Tense times as Spain go through
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
Article summary
Spain 4-2 Slovakia Three goals in a frantic final five minutes in Alzira helped Iñaki Sáez's Spain confirm their part in October's play-offs.
Article body
Slovakia strike
Slovakia took the initiative and scored first in the 24th minute with midfielder Kamil Kopùnek’s blast through the Spanish defence, which led the hosts to adopt a more physical approach at the Luis Suñer Picó stadium in Alzira, Valencia. Sevilla FC striker Kepa Blanco brought relief to Sàez’s side with an equaliser in the 58th minute as he converted David Silva's cross. Slovakia pounced again after Raúl Albiol’s clearance broke to Erik Jendrišek, who restored the visitors' lead at 2-1.
Late flurry
As full time approached and Spain grew desperate, Juan Valera headed home the equaliser from an 86th-minute corner before three minutes of mayhem saw Roberto Soldado and Silva put the fifth and sixth goals of the night past Slovakian keeper Dušan Kuciak in a frantic finish.