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Spain escapes with a 2-2 draw
Published in The Saudi Gazette on 17 - 11 - 2011

Spain's poor form in friendlies continued when the world and European champions needed a stoppage-time David Villa goal to snatch a 2-2 draw at lowly Costa Rica Tuesday.
After losing 1-0 to England Saturday, the Spanish looked toothless in attack and vulnerable in defense in the first half of a rain-lashed match in San Jose, falling two goals behind at the break before raising their game in the second.
Captain Iker Casillas committed an uncharacteristic howler to gift the home side the lead on the day the 30-year-old set a new appearances record for the national team of 127. The Real Madrid goalkeeper miscontrolled the ball near the edge of the penalty area just after the half hour, surrendering possession to Randall Brenes and allowing the Costa Rica forward space to lift the ball into the empty net.
The home side doubled their lead just before halftime in the Costa Rican capital when Joel Campbell was given too much space on the right and curled a fine left-foot effort past Casillas from distance.
The Iberians showed more urgency in the second half and Iniesta sent an effort narrowly over the crossbar after a weaving run into the area before David Villa drew a fine save from Keilor Navas with a powerfully-struck freekick.
Spain then mounted attack after attack Silva finally found the net in the 83rd minute before Villa nodded in the equalizer.
England's 2,000th goal ended a 43-year wait for a victory over Sweden Tuesday and ensured Fabio Capello's side ended 2011 unbeaten. Gareth Barry was initially credited with scoring England's landmark goal to secure the 1-0 victory, but replays showed the 22nd-minute header from Stewart Downing's cross skimmed off Sweden defender Daniel Majstorovic's head before crossing the line.
In other friendlies Germany inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Netherlands, Greece slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Romania, Italy lost 1-0 to Uruguay and France labored to a 0-0 draw with Belgium.


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