World Cup 2014: Spain beat Italy, Cristiano Ronaldo breaks record Englands opening World Cup opponents Italy suffered a 1-0 loss against Spain as teams continued their preparations for this summers tournament in Brazil. Spain forward Pedro fired in a second-half winner against the Azzurri, who face Roy Hodgsons men on 14 June. Uruguay, also drawn in Group D, drew 1-1 in Austria, while Cristiano Ronaldo became Portugals outright record scorer in a 5-1 win against Cameroon. France, the 1998 winners, beat 2010 losing finalists Netherlands 2-0. Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema thumped in a powerful shot for the opener, before turning provider for Paris St-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi to sweep in an acrobatic effort. After a difficult start to the season, where he was derided by some Real fans, Benzema has scored 11 goals in his past 13 games for the Spanish leaders and carried his impressive form on to the international stage. It was also a memorable night for his Bernabeu team-mate Ronaldo, who moved clear of ex-PSG striker Pauleta at the top of Portugals all-time goal chart. The Ballon dOr winner scored his 48th and 49th goals for his country, with strikes from Raul Meireles, Fabio Coentrao and Edinho in between, as Cameroon were swept aside. Atletico Madrids Brazil-born striker Diego Costa, who is second top scorer behind Ronaldo in this seasons La Liga, could not score on his international debut for Spain following his controversial switch of allegiance. He won two caps for Brazil, both in friendlies, before taking Spanish citizenship through residency. Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was unable to inspire Argentina as they drew 0-0 against Romania, who failed to qualify for the World Cup finals. Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could not find a way past his club team-mate Costel Pantilimon, who played as a second-half substitute for the home side in Bucharest. Three-time World Cup winners Germany were booed off after failing to impress in a fortunate 1-0 win over fellow 2014 finalists Chile in Stuttgart. The South Americans, who beat England in November, dominated for large spells but were made to pay for their profligacy by Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Mario Gotzes first-half winner. ABelgium side packed with Premier League talent drew 2-2 againstIvory Coast after goals from Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini and Romas Radja Nainggolan had put them in control. Ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba halved the deficit, before former Leeds United winger Max Gradel scored a late leveller. Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke missed an open goal from 10 yards when Belgium were leading 1-0. Ivory Coast have been drawn alongsideJapan, Colombia andGreece in Group C, with the potential of a last-16 tie against England for the two teams which advance. Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa scored his first goal in six months as Japan beat New Zealand in a 4-2 home win. Colombia, without injured Monaco forward Radamel Falcao, lacked cutting edge as they drew 1-1 against visitors Tunisia, while Greece lost 2-0 at home against South Korea. Ecuador produced a remarkable fightback from 3-0 down to earn a 4-3 injury-time win againstAustralia at Millwalls The Den. The South Americans, who are in Frances Group E at the World Cup and face England in a friendly before the tournament, trailed to first- half goals from ex-Millwall midfielder Tim Cahill (2) and Crystal Palaces Mile Jedinak. Cahills brace saw him become the record goalscorer for Australia, who have been drawn in a difficult Group B containing Spain, Netherlands and Chile.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:08:40 +0000
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