A solitary header from versatile Athletic Bilbao midfielder, Javi Martinez, was enough to give the Spanish Olympic team a 1-0 victory over their Latin counterparts.
Spain’s European champions combined to hand Luis Milla a much needed friendly victory in their final friendly match before the start of London 2012 Olympic Games. Juan Mata, Jordi Alba and Javi http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martinez-c24468, all appeared in Navarre against their Mexican rivals.
Luis Milla’s charges had much to prove after coming under severe scrutiny following their 0-2 defeat at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Senegal-c3001, bringing question marks over their gold medal credentials.
Nonetheless, it was much different performance by the U23 side, who imposed their footballing philosophy from the get go. The exquisite bass possession skills of Euro 2012 winners was evident as the players looked for gaps to threaten the goal of their rivals.
They perfectly followed the footsteps of their 'older' compatriots and tried to imitate the play of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 del Bosque’s men. Not only did they provide a great spectacle for the fans in the stands but also replied their critics with a bang.
Javi Martinez commanded the midfield, while Juan Mata and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Adrián-c3701 in
attack.
Milla’s team created havoc in the opposition’s third but lacked accuracy in front of the goal. Their prolificacy was resolved by the Athletic Bilbao star, who headed home in the 12th minute for the only goal of the match.
The Mexican team did not remain quiet in the match and created opportunities that put their Iberian rivals on the back foot. However, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giovani-dos-Santos-c14983 in check.
Despite their win, the second half showed the Spanish Olympic team’s brittle match fitness. The physical burden on players was evident as they lumbered in the final minutes of the match. Luis Milla was forced to make five changes, while his opposing number
brought on four new players.
Tags: