Goals from Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta secured a
2-0 win for world champions Spain in a low-key friendly with Bolivia.
Against a Bolivia side ranked 68th in the world, Spain
were not expected to face many problems in Seville on Friday.
And that proved to be the case as Vicente Del Bosque's
men cruised to victory without ever reaching top gear, ahead of the defence of
their FIFA World Cup crown.
Spain, who handed debuts to Ander Iturraspe and late
substitute Gerard Deulofeu, predictably dominated possession, but were
frustrated for large periods by a Bolivia outfit content to sit behind the ball
and commit cynical fouls when needed.
Pep Guardiola had opened the scoring with a penalty in
the sides' only previous meeting, which saw Spain run out 3-1 winners in the
1994 World Cup.
Spain's first goal on this occasion also came from the
spot, Fernando Torres tucking home from 12 yards early in the second half after
the referee had blown for a foul on Javi Martinez.
Iniesta, on as a half-time substitute for Juan Mata,
sealed victory six minutes from time, driving forward into space and bending a
precise effort in off the right-hand upright.
Spain threatened as early as the third minute, Mata
seeing a goalbound volley blocked after Pedro's darting run and cross from the
byline.
Bolivia were happy to drop deep when the hosts attacked,
and Torres dragged a shot from distance well wide in the 26th minute as Spain
toiled in search of a breakthrough.
Cesar Azpilicueta struck the outside of the right-hand
post with a low, curling effort and Pedro tested Romel Quinonez with a rasping
drive as Spain continued to dominate.
As the half came to a close, Quinonez had to be alert to
tip Mata's free-kick over the crossbar after Santi Cazorla had been felled on
the edge of the box.
Spain hit the front six minutes into the second half,
Torres calmly sending his spot-kick down the middle after Luis Gutierrez was
adjudged to have pushed Martinez inside the area.
The Chelsea man ought to have doubled his tally two
minutes later when picked out by a trademark pinpoint pass from Iniesta.
Torres controlled the ball beautifully but then sent an
attempted chip high into the stands.
Pedro stung the palms of the goalkeeper for a second time
as Spain moved through the gears, while Cesc Fabregas was only denied by a
last-ditch challenge by Marvin Bejarano in the 63rd minute.
David Silva, on in place of Cazorla, was next to test
Quinonez three minutes later, but his weak effort was comfortably held by the
keeper.
Apzilicueta also side-footed a deep cross from Alberto
Moreno into the side netting, but Spain's win was wrapped up thanks to
Iniesta's curling strike before Sergio Busquets hit the bar with a minute
remaining.
Spain will now travel to the United States for a friendly
with El Salvador before their World Cup defence begins in earnest.
Culled from Soccerway
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