Spain 2 Slovakia 0

La Roja flourish at Carlos Tartiere

Spain picked up maximum points from their must win Euro 16 qualifier with Slovakia in Oviedo. 

Spain picked up maximum points from their must win Euro 16 qualifier with Slovakia in Oviedo. After defeat in the reverse fixture back in October, Spain were desperate for maximum points here.
This was by no means going to be a straightforward task though. Slovakia came into this match with a 100% record in group C winning all of their 6 previous games. This stretches to 9 consecutive wins if you include friendlies.
With this match being played in Oviedo, it took on greater significance in terms of the opposition. One of Slovakia's greatest ever players is Peter Dubovsky who tragically died 15 years ago. Dubovsky is fondly remembered in these parts after having played over 100 times for Real Oviedo and was a Real Oviedo player when he died.
Iker Casillas was captaining Spain for the 100th time in what is a magnificent achievement for the now Porto Goalkeeper, but once Oviedo youth players Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata had to make do with a place on the bench.
It was Slovakia who had the first sight of goal and it came thanks to a slip from Sergio Ramos. This allowed Mak a clear run on goal but at the vital moment he screwed his shot wide. It was a let off for La Roja and they made their visitors pay almost immediately. Some neat passing resulted in David Silva playing a superb diagonal pass into the area and there was left back Jordi Alba who had timed his run to perfection and beat the offside trap to head home. It was a superb goal and seemed to settle any nerves.
Spain soon settled into their possession football against a defence minded Slovakia. Jordi Alba had another chance to get his second headed goal of the game but this time he couldn’t keep his effort on target from Cesc Fabrigas's cross.
On the half hour mark came a moment of controversy. Fabrigas played a ball through to his Chelsea teammate Diego Costa, The former Atletico Madrid forward rounded Kosacik in the Slovakia goal before going to ground. Referee Damir Skomina pointed to the spot and gave the keeper a yellow card. There looked minimal if any contact and the Slovakians were less than impressed with the decision. Anders Iniesta didn’t seem fussed though as he stepped up and sent Kozacik the wrong way to double Spain's lead.
Hamsik pulled out a great save from Casillas just before the interval with a low drive from the edge of the box but the score at half time was Spain 2 Slovakia 0.
The next goal was going to be crucial and the visitors came out of the blocks looking for it. After making a surprising change at half time with the lively Mak going off to be replaced by Duris.
It was Duris who had two chances at the start of the half. Svento made a rare burst down the left side before whipping in a low cross but Duris left footed effort went wide of the near post. Moments later he raced on to a through ball before shooting again left footed but this time towards the far post only for Casillas to get a finger tip to it and push wide for a corner.
Spain were woken into life and pushed forward to try to get a third goal to kill off the game. A defensive lapse gifted Silva a chance but his effort was superbly blocked by Hubocan. Fabrigas had an effort from the rebound but his shot was tipped over the bar.
Then midway through the second half came a great moment for the Carlos Tartiere faithful as Santi Cazorla came on to a wonderful reception. The Arsenal man was eager to impress on his return to Asturias.
Spain should have made it three with ten minutes to go but for once the wonderful Silva, his touch let him down, He played a one-two with Alcacer before opting to round the keeper. His touch was too heavy and the ball frustratingly ran out of play. David Silva deserved more as the little maestro carried on his club form with Manchester City this evening. He was instrumental tonight in all things that Spain did well.
Busquets went close in the final minute with a low drive from 25 yards but his effort went just the wrong side of the post.
The game finished Spain 2 Slovakia 0 and job done as far as Spain were concerned.
This victory lifts Spain to the top of group C with 3 games still to play. Next up is Macedonia away on Tuesday night before October dates with Luxembourg and Ukraine.


John Mothershaw