Spain Enjoys Goal Party in Málaga Against Venezuela

It was an electrifying night at the Rosaleda as Spain took on South American opponents, Venezuela.  The last time Spain played in Málaga was a little over four years ago on February 5, 2008.  In their last meeting, la Roja won 3-nil over their opponents all thanks to well-placed strikes from David Villa.  Unfortunately for the current world champions, Villa was still undergoing rehab for a broken leg and unfit for call-up.

Venezuela's Salomon Rondon gave Spain a near scare early on, forcing Iker Casillas to make an early say.  The home side was denied a goal at the 6' when Sergio Ramos's header hit the crossbar.  It would be Andrés Iniesta who opened up the score sheet at the 37' mark with a well-paced, right-footed shot to the bottom right corner, fellow Barcelona player Cesc Fabregas at the assist.  David Silva upped the score 2-nil at the 40' with a left-footed shot to the bottom left corner from 20 yards out.  It was Fabregas yet again at the assist, this time with a nonchalant backheel.

Prior to the match, Roberto Soldado seemed to be all what anybody could talk about, following his inclusion in Vincente del Bosque's squad and Fernando Torres's exclusion.  Soldado has been doing very well playing for Valencia this season, and that was evident throughout the 2^nd half.

The Valencia man made his entrance after descanso, showing the world what he was capable, scoring 4 minutes after coming on pitch, turning in Santi Cazorla's low cross with a neat flick.  Just 3 minutes shy after his first goal, Soldado earned Spain's fourth with a left-footed shot to the center of the goal, Álvaro Arbeloa with the assist.  He seemed to want that hattrick, trying for goal at the 56', 66', 69', and 77'.  Talk about determined.  He would eventually get that hattrick at the 84' with a right-footed shot at a very close range to the high center of the goal, Jodi Alba at the assist, making it 5-0 for the world champions.

Other game highlights?  Iker Munian made his debut through the 2^nd half, coming on pitch to replace Fabregas.  The young Athletic Bilbao player came close to scoring within minutes of entering.  Venezuela's Fernando Amorebieta was shown a red and expulsed from the game at the 83' when he brought down Soldado.

¡Siente la passion, vive La Roja!

written by Gail Hidalgo