Spain flex muscles with Netherlands triumph

Spain will begin the defence of their UEFA Futsal EURO title next Wednesday full of confidence after four Fernandão goals helped them to a resounding 6-0 friendly win against the Netherlands.

José Venancio López's side were superior throughout in Alcorcon against a Netherlands team preparing for their first finals appearance since 2005. Fernandão did much of the damage, the margin of victory allowing the hosts to experiment with a flying goalkeeper in the closing stages – but Venancio López was not completely satisfied.

"We saw good things and bad," he said. "In the first half we didn't do what we have been working towards, though after the break we improved. We need to modify the defence a little. We've had only three on-field workouts. We need to polish some aspects of our game."

Spain certainly looked rusty in the early exchanges following an emotional tribute to the watching 121-cap former player Álvaro Aparicio. Indeed, Najib El Allouchi struck the post before the home side, resting Torras as a precaution, took control. Aicardo set up Raúl Campos for a ninth-minute opener and Fernandao then got on the scoresheet.

Sergio Lozano added another after the interval, but from then on it was all Fernandão, with his third of the night – Spain's fifth – the pick as he pivoted before firing low after a spectacular move. By the time he netted goal No6, Ortiz was filling in as flying goalkeeper.

The holders start their quest for a fifth consecutive continental title – and seventh in all – against Croatia in Antwerp next Wednesday, with the Netherlands kicking off against Russia 24 hours before.