George The Greath: wachezaji katka asilimia mchezo kati ya Spain vs Equatorial Guinea

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

3

2

Danilo

Had a moment to forget in the opening half when he gifted Carzola with the chance to give Spain the lead after dropping the ball. Not a lot he could do about Juanfran's finish and claimed well at crosses after his early mistake.
2

1

Diosdado Mbele

Given a torrid time by Navas and Carzola as they favoured attacking down the right-hand side. Was lucky to stay on the pitch after a nasty scissor motion challenge on Llorente.
6

0

J. Bermúdez

Gave Equatorial Guinea what has to be one of the greatest moments in their history by equalising in the second period with a powerful header. Looked good in defence too as the hosts dealt well with Spanish attacks by and large.
4

0

Sipo

Covered ground well and kept pace with Navas and Mata, if not quite keeping up with their footwork. Formed a partnership with Bermudez that even the towering Llorente struggled to dominate.
3

0

C. Martínez

Looked strong going forward early on and provided Spain with a hairy moment when firing a low cross in from the right. Struggled defensively though and often held too high a line, allowing Moreno and Mata to exploit the space behind.
4

1

Juvenal

Was always going to be tricky to get into the game when up against the likes of Mata and Alonso, who are experts at ball retention. Still, hassled and harried continuously.
3

0

Douala

Booked for a rash challenge on Llorente which was probably a sign of his over-excitement at playing such a big occasion. Confirmed by the way he spurned his chances, snatching at shots and spooning them over the bar.
3

0

Javier Balboa

A strong presence for the hosts and was one of the main protagonists when the hosts did get the ball on the ground and play football showing vision with some nice through-balls into space.
3

1

Nsue

Didn't really see too much of the action in an attacking sense as Equatorial Guinea focused their attacking pursuits through the centre of the park. Still a memorable night for the midfielder though.
2

2

Fidjeu-Tazemeta

Very lucky to remain on the pitch for as long as he did. Eventually withdrawn by his own coach after picking up an early booking for poor challenge on Moreno and should have received a second after scything down Alonso.
2

0

Bolado

A big physical force up front that Spain struggled to cope with at times. Thought he'd won his side a penalty in the opening half after tangling with Moreno.

Substitutions

2

1

Dio

Came on and actually gave his side renewed impetus as he broke forward at any given opportunity. Wasted some good chances for a decent delivery from set pieces late on.
2

0

Belima

Came on very late as the African hosts searched for an unlikely equaliser.
3

0

Bodipo

The veteran captain come on very late on to take the captain's armband for the final moments.

SPAIN

5

15

Pepe Reina

Really didn't have many touches all evening apart from picking the ball out of his net. Got a hand to Bermudez's header and may be a little disappointed he didn't keep it out.
4

14

Alberto

Delivered the ball on a plate for Negredo in the first half but the centre forward fluffed his lines. Was hacked down by Fidjeu in afoul that drew the first booking of many for the hosts.
32

14

Bartra

A steady debut for the Barca youngster as he had to deal with a physical Equatorial Guinean attacking line. Coped with the likes of Balboa admirably though, and provided his fair share of important interceptions too.
13

8

Íñigo Martínez

A sterling performance from the centre-back as he dealt with numerous through-balls and threw himself into important blocks. Given a well earned rest towards the end as Ramos replaced him.
17

9

Juanfran

Blasted Spain back into the lead with an emphatic finish in the opening period. Continued to get forward down the right-hand side throughout, wasting a few good crossing opportunities.
32

10

Santi Cazorla

Gave Spain the lead after accepting Danilo's gift and tapping home into an empty net. Continued to cause problems for the hosts down the right and played an integral part in the second goal too. Taken off for David Villa after the break.
15

15

Jesús Navas González

Started brightly down the right-hand side and linked up well with his Manchester City team-mate Negredo. One of many on the receiving end of badly-timed challenge and was withdrawn for Pedro in the second period.
12

14

Koke

The Atelti man had a couple of chances in the opening period to add to his side's lead, snatching at a volley from the edge of the area. Subbed midway through the second half to make way for Iniesta.
27

11

Xabi Alonso

Sat deep and pulled the strings for the visitors in the first half as he picked out Navas and Negredo with long balls. Had to be withdrawn before the break after a nasty challenge from Fidjeu left him hobbling.
21

11

Juan Mata

Sent in the cross for Spain's opening goal but it would take barefaced cheek to claim the assist for it as Danilo made a hash of claiming the centre. Played in a deeper role throughout as Navas and Carzola were allowed to get forward.
5

23

Negredo

A frustrating evening for the Manchester City man, who could have had a hat-trick if his touch hadn't let him down time and again. Was taken off at the break after missing a number of chances.

Substitutions

11

11

Sergio Ramos

Came on very late for the impressive Martinez.
14

16

Busquets

Came on for the injured Xabi Alonso just before the break and found himself regularly flying into tackles.
15

13

Andrés Iniesta Luján

On in place of Koke for the second period as Del Bosque looked to give his side a Barca nucleus to build from.
12

13

David Villa

Came on in the second period to provide Llorente with ammunition.
16

19

Fernando Llorente

Missed a sitter after coming on at the break and denied a goal by a dodgy offside call.
8

14

Pedro

Came off the bench for Navas in the second period to continue the visitor's threat down