Belgium booed off as Roberto Martinez's first match ends in humbling defeat to Spain
Updated 22/12/2016 at 15:34 GMT
International friendly, Kning Boudewijnstadion - Belgium 0 Spain 2 (Silva 34, 62 pen)
Roberto Martinez’s opening game as Belgium manager ended with jeers from the home crowd as a David Silva brace handed Spain a comfortable victory.
Julen Lopetegui's first game as Spain boss started brightly, and their first goal came after a Vitolo cross fell to Diego Costa, with the Chelsea striker laying the ball off to Silva, who slid the ball home.
Belgian fans made their displeasure known at half-time, but the hosts failed to improve after the break, with Thibaut Courtois called into action early on to keep out a Gerard Pique header.
Just after the hour-mark, Vitolo was brought down in the box by Jordan Lukaku, with Silva sending Courtois the wrong way to put Spain two clear.
Belgium’s best chance fell to Kevin De Bruyne late on, but a terrific save from David De Gea ensured the Man United ‘keeper kept a clean sheet – cue more boos at full-time.
TALKING POINT
New manager, same old Belgium: It was a tale of two new managers with Martinez and Lopetegui occupying the benches. While Spain looked superb throughout, the jury will be out on Martinez immediately following a poor display from the Red Devils. After crashing out of Euro 2016 prematurely, this was a perfect opportunity for Martinez to stamp his authority and style onto the team. Unfortunately, it did not pay off for the former Everton boss and he must put things right at Cyprus in their opening World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
MAN OF THE MATCH
David Silva (Spain): An easy choice, not just because of his double. The Man City star pulled the strings from the get-go, and his substitution in the second half led to rapturous applause, with Belgians fans joining in as well.
PLAYER RATINGS
Belgium: Courtois 6, Meunier 6, Alderweireld 7, Vertonghen 6, J. Lukaku 3, Witsel 5, Nainggolan 4, De Bruyne 5, Carrasco 4, E. Hazard 4, Origi 5. SUBS: Dembele 5, R. Lukaku 6, Mirallas N/A, Defour N/A.
Spain: De Gea 7; Carvajal 8, Ramos 8, Piqué 7, Alba 7; Busquets 8, Koke 8, Thiago 7; Vitolo 8, Silva 9, Morata 5. SUBS: Costa 8, Bartra 6, Azpilicueta 6, Saul N/A, Vazquez N/A, Roberto N/A.
KEY MOMENTS
6’ - CHANCE! Origi finds Hazard out wide. His cross comes in and De Gea spills it when under no pressure. The ball comes to Witsel on the edge of the area but he bends his effort wide. Relief for De Gea!
24’ - INJURY! Morata is holding his right thigh and walks down the tunnel... Here comes Diego Costa! Just getting his shinpads on first mind.
34’ - GOAL SPAIN! A great run from Vitolo down the side, who passes the ball into the centre of the box, Costa wrongly gets a touch on the ball but it falls to Silva, who slides the ball in to put Spain 1-0 up in Brussels.
HALF TIME: Belgium 0-1 Spain - some jeers from the home fans. A fair amount in truth, not a happy set of fans...
49' - WHAT A SAVE! In comes the cross, and Koke finds Pique, whose header is flying towards goal, but Courtois gets his hands to it and tips it over for a corner, which Belgium clear.
59' - SAVE! Costa is thwarted by team-mate Courtois! A great pass find Busquets finds the Chelsea forward, who takes the ball into the box before unleashing a low strike. The Belgian shotstopper gets low to keep it out.
61' - PENALTY TO SPAIN! Lukaku brings down Vitolo... No doubts about it.
62' - GOAL SPAIN! And Silva converts from the spot. He sends Courtois the wrong way, going to the 'keeper's right.
84' - GREAT SAVE! De Bruyne and Hazard link up well, with the Man City man shooting from 20 yards out at a slight angle; he opts for the near post and De Gea gets his fingertips to it and puts it out for a corner.
87' More jeers from the crowd as De Bruyne comes off...
FULL TIME: Belgium 0-2 Spain - And yes, plenty of jeers from the home crowd. A very one-sided contest.
KEY STATS
MATCH IN A TWEET
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