Spain have come from behind to record a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in their friendly clash this evening at the Reino de Leon Stadium.
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The visitors took the lead in the fifth minute when Joel Campbell raided down the left and cut the ball back inside for the run of Johan Venegas, who maintained his composure to fire past David de Gea.
Spain got back into the match almost immediately as Cesc Fabregas released the run of Paco Alcacer through the middle of the Costa Rica defence, and the forward had no problem slotting the ball into the net.
The home side took the lead in the 30th minute when Aleix Vidal raided down the flank and crossed into the box for Nolito. The forward flicked the ball into the path of Fabregas, who beat Keylor Navas with a low drive.
In the second half, Spain came close to adding a third goal when Sergio Ramos rose highest in the box from a corner, but his header from close range was well saved by Navas.
The hosts continued to dominate, but Navas managed to keep his side in the match as he denied Santi Cazorla by making a block with his body after the midfielder latched on to a cross at the back post.
Marc Bartra should have sealed the victory for his side when David Silva pulled the Costa Rica defence inside and out. He cut the ball back to the midfielder, but his strike was tame and two players managed to get back on the line to make the block.
Bryan Ruiz could have earned his side a draw when he collected a cross at the back post, but he could only put his volleyed effort over the bar without testing De Gea.
Silva could have secured his side's win but his low strike from a tight angle hit the side-netting, although the hosts still managed to close out the game to seal the victory.
Simon Sinclair
