Spain overcome South Korea, Mexico knock off Italy
By DPA, IANSFriday, June 4, 2010
MUNICH - European champions Spain needed a late goal to beat South Korea 1-0, while reigning world champions Italy lost 2-1 against Mexico in the 2010 World Cup football warm-up matches.
Sevilla midfielder Jesus Navas struck the game-winner with five minutes to play for Vicente del Bosque’s Spaniards here Thursday.
Del Bosque, whose team plays Honduras, Chile and Switzerland in Group H in South Africa, rested a number of his regulars, including Iker Casillas, Carles Puyol and for the first half David Villa in Innsbruck, Austria.
Cesc Febregas nearly gave the Spanish the lead after 35 minutes, beating South Korean keeper Lee Woon Jae from the edge of the area but striking the right side of the post.
Spain’s backup keeper Pepe Reina was not challenged much in the first half but needed back-to-back saves in the final minute before the break.
Reina was replaced by Barcelona’s Victor Valdes at half-time and the European champions began increasing the pressure after the hour mark.
Javier Martinez went just right in the 68th and David Villa and Sergio Ramos both were close 10 minutes later.
The Iberians finally solved the Asian side with five minutes to play as Navas struck into the near upper right corner from just outside the right edge of the area.
“Even though it was just a warm-up, getting a victory was very important for us at this stage of the preparations,” said Valdes.
Spain will face Poland in their final friendly June 8.
At South Africa 2010, South Korea take on Greece, Nigeria and Argentina in Group B.
Germany 2006 champs Italy meanwhile head into the World Cup with a
loss against Mexico in Brussels.
Vicenzo Iaquinta’s header was saved at the line by the Mexico defence after just three minutes.
Carlos Vela gave the Mexicans the lead in the 17th minute, finishing off a fine counter attack action and beating Italian star keeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Italy found the back of the net in the 62nd minute but Alberto Gilardino was ruled offside.
And Mexico took advantage of the miscue to double the lead at the 84-minute mark with Alberto Medina striking to the far left corner after a counter attack.
Italy grabbed a goal back with a minute left in regulation as Leonardo Bonucci hit home a loose ball which had struck off the left upright.
Mexico made it hold up. And the Central Americans take on hosts South Africa in the World Cup opener on June 11 before playing Uruguay and France as well in Group A.
Italy were drawn into Group F with Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia.
