France 0 Spain 2:SPAIN GAVE further proof of why they are one of the favourites for the World Cup after seeing off France in Paris last night to continue their phenomenal run.
The Euro 2008 winners deservedly clinched their first win over their northern neighbours on French soil since 1968 thanks to first-half goals from David Villa and Sergio Ramos.
The friendly victory also means Spain have now won 42 – including two after extra-time – of their last 45 fixtures, with their only defeat coming against the US at last summer’s Confederations Cup.
Spain soon stamped their authority on the contest.
The visitors created the first opportunity in the 18th minute when Sergio Busquets’ header from Xabi Alonso’s free-kick went just wide, while poor control from Villa soon after saw another promising opening go to waste.
Villa would get a second chance 60 seconds later though, and this time he was not so profligate.
Andres Iniesta’s attempted pass to David Silva was missed by the Valencia man, but, having also beaten Julien Escude, it ended up being perfect for Villa, who raced onto the ball and coolly finished past Hugo Lloris.
Spain were looking good value for their lead as the first half progressed, with Vicente Del Bosque’s men stroking the ball around well and keeping their hosts’ all-star attack at bay.
On the stroke of half-time they doubled their lead. France looked to have cleared the danger from one attack, but Yoann Gourcuff was caught in possession by Xabi Alonso 30 yards out, and the Real Madrid man chipped the ball out to club-mate Ramos on the right.
The right-back cut inside and unleashed a left-footed shot that took a big deflection off Escude before nestling in the far side.
Under-pressure France coach Raymond Domenech would have been far from happy with the situation at half-time, especially with jeers raining down from the stands at the Stade de France pitch as teams left the pitch.
The home side came close to pulling a goal back in the 79th minute, however, when Djibril Cisse’s cross from the right was headed against the post by Florent Malouda.
FRANCE: Lloris, Sagna, Ciani, Escude, Evra, Lassana Diarra, Ribery (Malouda 73), Toulalan, Henry (Govou 64), Gourcuff, Anelka (Cisse 76). Subs not used: Mandanda, Boumsong, Sissoko, Ben Arfa, Cheyrou, Rami, Remy, Cissokho, Fanni, Carrasso.
SPAIN: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol (Albiol 46), Pique, Arbeloa, Silva (Guiza 80), Alonso (Senna 64), Fabregas (Xavi 46), Busquets, Iniesta (Jesus Navas 63), Villa (Torres 46). Subs not used: Reina, Marchena, Capdevila, Mata, Negredo, Diego Lopez. Booked: Sergio Ramos.
Referee: Craig Thomson (Scotland).
