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Villarreal defender Joan Capdevila was the unlikely goalscorer as Spain defeated France 1-0 in Malaga. The result is commendable for the Spanish as they took on a full-strength French team. The game also saw the injury of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
Thierry Henry provided the first effort of the night, but his audacious attempt to lob Iker Casillas from the halfway line was never likely to go in.
In the 12th minute Xavi fired wide as Fernando Torres was ineffective as he ploughed a lone furrow up front and Liverpool will be worried as he limped out of the action before the break.
Both sides placed the emphasis on keeping it tight at the back and that made the midfield a busy place as the ball was shunted and moved around without any real breakthrough.
The second period livened up almost immediately as David Villa came on and hit the outside of the post with a free-kick that he curled around the wall.
France appeared to have almost too much self belief as if just by remaining patient they would score, but they were made to pay for that with ten minutes remaining.
From a corner Andrés Iniesta shot from outside the area and Lassana Diarra stooped to head clear only to nod it to Capdevila who controlled and then poked it home from close range.
Spain were ahead and the visitors were slightly stunned before they regrouped and pushed forward and enjoyed their best attacking spell of the match.
After a spell of pressure substitute Karim Benzema headed the ball against the bar from six yards out and as it came down Henry stooped forward only to nod the ball wide of the far post when it looked easier to score.
In injury time Henry ran on to the ball after it ricocheted behind the defence and as Casillas saved his shot the ball rebounded off Capdevila and flew just wide of the post.
Written by majicka
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