Spain record comfortable 2-1 victory over Costa Rica

Cesc Fagregas netted a first half winner to give Spain a comfortable 2-1 win over Costa Rica in this international friendly.

Despite going behind, goals from Paco Alcacer and Fabregas saw Spain see out a solid win over their less illustrious opponents.

The hosts were shocked when Johan Venegas swiped home a shot in the first ten minutes but Spain hit back immediately to draw level.

They took control of the game quickly after the equaliser and Fabregas was given an easy finish in the six yard box to give Spain the lead.

Despite an energetic second half, Costa Rica couldn’t find the required quality to test David De Gea and Spain were able to see out the victory by bringing on experienced midfielders Sergio Busquets, David Silva and Santi Cazorla.

5’ – GOAL! – Fabregas loses the ball in the middle and Costa Rica break quickly. Campbell drives down the left and then lays a ball into the middle for Venegas who slots home low with his left foot.

8’ – GOAL! – Fabregas atones for his error by turning a ball into his feet round the corner for Alcacer who sprints on to it, bears down on goal and slots past the sprawling Navas.

10’ – CHANCE! – Nolito manages to wriggle his way through down the left and gets to the byline. He cuts in to find an angle and strikes with venom but it is well blocked on its way to goal.

30’ – GOAL! – Spain with some glorious football as they manage to work some space for Vidal on the right. He crosses low to Nolito who swipes at it but mishits it. Luckily, it drops to Fabregas six yards out and he is able to divert the ball home.

58' - CHANCE! - Fabregas with the free kick into the middle which Ramos meets on the volley but Navas is equal to it from point blank range and saves.

64' - CHANCE! - The ball drops to Vitolo at the far post who wriggles to the byline and crosses. He finds Bartra but the defender can't sort his feet quick enough and it goes over the bar.

82' - CHANCE! - Vega flips a ball to the back post where Ruiz watches it onto his laces but he gets too much on it and it flies high and wide.

How much will Del Bosque learn from tonight? Admittedly, not much. The new generation went a goal down but reacted brilliantly by equalising quickly and then taking control of the game before taking the lead and never looking back. Despite a poor World Cup last year, they still look like one of the strongest teams in the world and have a healthy future.

Cesc Fabregas – He made an early mistake but pulled every string for Spain in the middle of the park. His experience told as his younger teammates were able to buzz around him but it was Fabregas who made things happen. Superb all round midfield performance.

SPAIN – De Gea 6, Carvajal 7, Bartra 6, Ramos 6, Bernat 7, San Jose 7, Fabregas 9, Koke 8, Vidal 7, Alcacer 8, Nolito 7. SUBS – Vitolo 6, Cazorla 6, Silva 7, Busquets 6, Pique 7, Isco 6.

COSTA RICA – Navas 7, Gamboa 7, Umana 6, Gonzalez 6, Miller 6, Diaz 6, Borges 7, Guzman 7, Ruiz 7, Venegas 7, Campbell 7. SUBS – Vega 6, Cubero 6, Aguilar 6, Vega 6, Saborio 6.