Football: Villa, Alonso steer Spain to 3-0 win

PUERTO LA CRUZ: David Villa and Xabi Alonso netted long-range freekicks from near-identical positions to help Spain to a 3-0 win over Venezuela in a friendly. The world and European champions’ victory, to which Pedro contributed a 20th-minute goal, was their 39th in 44 matches under coach Vicente del Bosque, putting him one clear of his immediate predecessor Luis Aragones to set a national record. Striker Villa gave the visitors the lead in the fifth minute when his curling shot from a central position 35 metres out beat goal-keeper Renny Vega low to his left. The home side’s best chance fell to Giancarlo Maldonado in the 18th minute when he sped clear into the penalty area but his low shot was saved by the onrushing Victor Valdes.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2011.