England beats Spain 1-0

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England hosted World and European champion Spain at Wembley Stadium. England hadnt beaten Spain in a decade, and wished to overturn a 3-game losing streak against the champs.

Spain will defend its European title next year, and displayed its now typically brilliant short-passing game in the first half. There was plenty of ball-control for the Spanish side, but few scoring chances. Midfielders Xabi Alonso and Xavi were in charge of almost every move. The Englishmen couldnt break the visitors grip on the match because they hardly saw the ball.

Spain's goalkeeper Pepe Reina (2nd R) fails to reach the ball in the move that
sees England's Frank Lampard (not pictured) scoring from the rebound during
their international friendly match at Wembley Stadium in London. England won 1-0

Things began to change after halftime. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque replaced master passer Xavi, and that let England get a foothold after a first half of frustration. The game finally swung Englands way after 49 minutes, off a free kick. Darren Bent met the ball with a header, and it bounced to England captain Frank Lampard for an empty net goal. Cesc Fabregas was the man who replaced Xavi at halftime. He made his first appearance in London since ! leaving Arsenal for Barcelona and swept a shot wide. That turned out to be Spains best chance of scoring in the second half.

Spanish striker David Villa put a shot into the side netting in the 57th minute and then hit the post with a long-range blast 16 minutes later. England survived to claim a memorable and unlikely 1-0 win after three straight defeats to the Spaniards. Its the sides first victory over Spain since 2001.



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