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Spain defeated the Czech Republic 0 – 2 in their Group I Euro 2012 qualifier match in Prague. The Spaniards have already qualified and the Czech side needed a positive result to secure the Groups second place, however they will be disappointed with their performance tonight.
| Juan Mata |
The Spanish side dominated most of the match with their usual style of one touch Football which caused the Czech team to run after the ball and thus open up spaces. The first half hour was 70% Spanish possession and naturally the two goals came within that space of time. Chelsea FC Spanish Forward Juan Mata scored first in the 6th min and Xabi Alonso got the second in the 22nd from a David Silva assist.
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The Czech side reacted and created some chances which they failed to convert especially a Milan Baros chance which was Czech’s best chance of the game.
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| Spain scores goal |
The 2nd half saw a much more relaxed Spain which continued with its style but the Czech side looked aggressive. Their aggression got out of hand when Hubschman made a terrible tackle on Xabi Alonso in the 69th min that earned him a direct red card. Xabi Alonso was taken off and was substituted for Javi Martinez as the Czech’s were down to 10 men.
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| Xabi Alonso tackle by Hubschman |
From here the Czech chances have evaporated and Spain created more chances ( Javi Martinez hit the post ) that unfortunately they missed – or fortunately, for the Czechs. End result, a Spanish victory and an unbeaten in their Group with one home game remaining against Scotland next Tuesday at Alicante (Spain).
The other news was the non-performance of Fernando Torres who was quiet all match and was substituted. The Chelsea player had a goal opportunity miraculously saved by Club team-mate Cech but his chances of convincing Spanish Coach Del Bosque for a place in the EURO 2012 games diminish game after game. Its hard to justify that Torres should be considered over Negredo, Llorente or the not called up Valencia CF forward Roberto Soldado. Will Del Bosque give Torres a last chance against Scotland?
