Thaindian News

Madrid, Sep 8 (IANS) Reigning World and European Champions Spain enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia in a friendly.

The Spanish totally outplayed a Saudi side Friday that looked to play good football but had little answer to the attacking threat posed by the Spaniards, who delighted the packed stands in Pontevedra, reports Xinhua.

The match allowed Spain coach Vicente del Bosque to rest first choice players while allowing others to gain experience ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign which begins in Georgia next Tuesday.

Fernando Torres wore the captain’s armband in a much changed Spanish side in which Benat Etxebarria, Cesc Fabrigas and Nacho Monreal were all given starts by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.

Saudi Arabia coach Frank Rijkaard showed his knowledge of the Spanish game as he pushed his side forward to stop Spain from playing the game out from the back, but his side’s advances allowed Spain to try and hit the ball behind them.

Santi Cazorla opened the scoring after 22 minutes following a shot from Pedro Rodriguez, while Pedro scored the second seven minutes later after latching into a smart through ball that split the visitors’ defence.

It could have been 3-0 but Cazorla saw his shot bounce back off the crossbar five minutes from the break.

Xavi Hernandez, who Wednesday was named as joint Principe de Asturias prize winner along with Iker Casillas, came into the game at halftime and added the third almost directly with a free kick while David, who returned to the Spain side after injury, made it 4-0 from the penalty spot after a foul on Monreal.

It was his 52nd goal for his country, but his first since breaking his leg last December.

Spain were totally on top and Pedro confirmed his early season form with his second goal of the night 17 minutes from time to make it 5-0.

It was an easy win, but players such as Benat would have gained a great deal of confidence from their displays.