A goal in either half from Xavi Hernandez and Fernando
Torres got Spain's qualifying campaign back on track as they returned
to the top two places in Group F, level on points with Sweden.
Key victory
Spain had suffered a setback to their UEFA EURO 2008T prospects when they
drew 1-1 in Iceland last Saturday, but Northern Ireland's defeat in Reykjavik
played into their hands and Luis Aragones's side took advantage with this
victory in Oviedo. Xavi broke the deadlock on 13 minutes to settle the
hosts' nerves and Torres's effort four minutes from time ensured Spain
moved to 19 points alongside leaders Sweden, who have a game in hand,
three points ahead of Northern Ireland.
Xavi celebration
Determined to improve on Saturday's showing, Spain began on the offensive
and their efforts were rewarded when Xavi celebrated his 50th cap with
the opening goal. Joaquin Sanchez delivered a superb cross from the flank
and the FC Barcelona midfielder nudged the ball beyond goalkeeper Andris
Vanins. Just after the half-hour it was almost 2-0, David Villa directing
a free header wide after rising unmarked at a corner. He was almost punished
at the other end four minutes later when former Getafe CF striker Maris
Verpakovskis got on the end of a quick counterattack, missing Latvia's
best chance of the match.
Iniesta influence
Four minutes into the second half Joaquin was left cursing his luck after
his shot was deflected on to the woodwork by defender Kaspars Gorkss.
Substitute Andres Iniesta then elicited a fine stop from Vanins eleven
minutes after the restart. The hosts struggled to break down an obdurate
Latvia defence yet the points were finally sealed when Iniesta began a
move that saw Miguel Angel Angulo bring a save out of Vanins and Fernando
Torres follow up to score.
,
12 September 2007
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