If you are not a member yet, you can sign up here

News Archive

Euro 2012 qualifier

Scotland 2 - Spain 3

A late goal from substitute Fernando Llorente was enough to give Spain their second victory in four days, keeping them at the top of their qualifying group on maximum points. Villa and Silva both tested McGregor early on, but Morrison could have scored for Scotland had Capdevila's knee not prevented his shot from entering the net. With half time looming though Whittaker blocked a volley from Sergio Ramos with his arm, and Villa converted the resulting penalty to take him level with Raúl as Spain's all-time top goalscorer. Ten minutes after the restart the game appeared to be over when Iniesta drilled a second past the keeper after Cazorla's initial shot was blocked. However Scotland came back with two goals in the next ten minutes, Naismith running through to head Millar's cross past Casillas, and Piqué turning another cross from Morrison in to his own net. Del Bosque eventually turned to Llorente, who had scored two against Lithuania a few days ago, and his first touch of the ball was to connect with a long cross from Capdevila to turn the ball in from close up. That was enough to take Spain's run of wins in qualifying competitions up to a record 17 consecutive games, but the Scots (who had Whittaker sent off for a second booking near the end) came as close as anyone to ending that. (12.10.10)