Spain stunned 1-2 by Slovakia
ZILINA — Spain’s eight-year unbeaten run in qualifying matches ended in a stunning 2-1 defeat at Slovakia in qualifying for the European Championship on yesterday (Oct 9).
ZILINA — Spain’s eight-year unbeaten run in qualifying matches ended in a stunning 2-1 defeat at Slovakia in qualifying for the European Championship on yesterday (Oct 9).
It was Spain’s first loss in qualifying for the European Championship and the World Cup since 2006, and ended a run of 14 straight away wins.
“That’s football,” Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque said. “We aren’t going to blame any individual players. We played with patience but their keeper made some standout saves.”
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas did not shine, however. He let the opener by him in the 17th minute when he failed to punch out Juraj Kucka’s free kick.
Paco Alcacer leveled for Spain in the 82nd, but fellow substitute Miroslav Stoch headed a cross past Casillas in the 87th with Spain caught looking for the winner that instead fell to the hosts in Zilina.
Meanwhile, England duly beat San Marino 5-0 to maintain their perfect start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign but laboured for long periods against the joint-worst team in the world at a half-full Wembley.
England went ahead when Phil Jagielka headed home a corner after 24 minutes, doubled their lead when Wayne Rooney scored his 42nd England goal from a 43rd-minute penalty and added a third in the 49th minute when Danny Welbeck smashed home a cross from his Arsenal team mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Andros Townsend, who replaced Welbeck 66 minutes on, made it 4-0 six minutes after coming on, scoring with a fierce shot that bounced in between goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini and his near post.
The fifth was an own goal from Alessandro Della Valle, who deflected a cross shot from Rooney into his own net after 77 minutes.
In other Euro 2016 qualifying results yesterday, Sweden fought back to draw 1-1 with Russia. Ukraine also left it late, scoring two goals in the last 10 minutes to beat Belarus 2-0. AP, REUTERS