Spain defeat Saudi Arabia 5-0 with David Villa, the Comeback Kid

Apologies for the late post, readers, but can you blame me with all the international matches to watch?  Nevertheless, here I am and here you are.  La Roja left Pontevedra with a clean sheet and five goals against opponents, Saudi Arabia.  This match saw the long awaited return of Barcelona's David Villa, and what a way to return!  The forward had been M.I.A. in national call-ups due to injury – a broken leg – for months and his absence was felt on pitch and in the hearts of La Roja supporters.  And in true fashion, Villa netted a goal his first match back.  However, while it would be his star that would shine brightly in this friendly against Saudi Arabia, it would be teammate Pedro whose star shone brighter in bagging a brace for the Red and Gold.

Spain prepared for its opening WC qualifier with an easy 5-0 win over the visiting Saudi Arabia.  In typical fashion, Arsenal's Santi Cazorla got things started, opening the scoring at the 22' mark from close range.  Really, Santi, this behavior is becoming most predictable.  Not that we are complaining, right, La Roja fans?  Teammate Pedro doubled the home side's advantage minutes later at the 27' mark, chipping the ball over Saudi Arabia's GK, Waleed Abdullah, with the greatest of ease.  Lovely, lovely finish for Pedro Rodríguez for his third international goal.

Halftime ended with Spain looking quite strong with a two-goal lead over their opponents.  Manager Vicente del Bosque looked quite pleased, as did the thousands of La Roja supporters present.

 

Spain did not waste any time after the start of the second.  Xavi, who had replaced Cesc Fàbregas, netted one for love and country at the 47' mark.  The Barcelona man and self-appointed spokesman for fútbol found the back of net with a free kick that sailed past Abdullah.  The home side was up 3-0 and the visitors from Saudi Arabia, in spite of their frustration, did well to keep composure on pitch.  Moments would go by until Spain would score again.

The game was all but won, 3-0 at this point, and La Roja did not seem satisfied with a mere three goals.  Villa made it 4-0 at 63' mark, announcing his return to the international stage with a resounding and rallying battle cry.  The man had just recovered from his excruciating leg break last December and he managed to score.  Class act and an inspiration to all.  Don't call it a comeback.  Villa's been here for years and, hopefully, for many, many more.

Pedro, who had scored earlier in the match, bagged his fourth international goal at the 73'.  His goal would make the score five over the visiting side, furthering their misery of defeat.  And still yet, the men dressed in white and green kept composure and form.  For this, I laud them.  Most would have gone into panic mode, resulting in a flurry of yellows for aggressive attacks and dangerous defending. 

The reigning World and European champions take their first step towards Brazil next week, pitted up against Georgia.  The men will play Tuesday, September 11 in Tbilisi.  US television coverage and streaming will be on ESPN Deportes and ESPN3.  As for our international readers, the match will also be on Al Jazeera Sports +2, ESPN 2 Caribbean, Sportsnet One, Foot+, 1TV, and Sport TV4.  Until then, ¡¡¡Vamos España!!!

written by Gail Hidalgo