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Spain national football team
International Friendlies
May 30, 2014 at 9pm UK
 
Bolivia national football team

2-0

Torres (51' pen.), Iniesta (84')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Live Commentary: Spain 2-0 Bolivia - as it happened

Sports Mole brings you live commentary of the international friendly at the Estadio Ramon as Spain beat Bolivia 2-0.
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Friday's international friendly in Seville pitted European and world champions Spain against Bolivia.

La Roja dominated possession in the opening 45 minutes, but could not break the breakthrough at the Estadio Ramon.

Spain took the lead after 51 minutes, however, when Fernando Torres scored from the penalty spot, before Andres Iniesta made it 2-0 with a curling effort five minutes from time.

Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.


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Evening all! The World Cup is almost here and you can indeed follow all the action on Sports Mole. However, tonight is all about preparation for Spain, who welcome Bolivia to Sevilla. There are a number of players that will be looking to make their mark for La Roja tonight, but for Bolivia it is all about pride, with the South American outfit missing out on a spot at the World Cup after finishing second bottom of their qualification group. Right, let me bring you the team news for both sides.

TEAMS:

SPAIN: Reina; Azpilicueta, Pique, Martinez, Moreno; Iturraspe, Xavi; Cazorla, Mata, Pedro; Torres

BOLIVIA: Quinonez; Raldes, Gutierrez, Eguino, Marvin; Bejarano, Melean, Mojica, Chumacero; Arce, Martins


Pepe Reina is given the nod between the sticks for Spain, with Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea on the bench. There is also a first Spain start for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Iturraspe, while Alberto Moreno, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata are also in the XI. Bolivia, meanwhile, go with Juan Carlos Arce and Marcelo Martins Moreno in attack. There are also starts for Diego Bejarano and Gualberto Mojica.

Just a reminder that there are no Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid players in the Spain squad this evening due to their involvement in the Champions League final last weekend. As a result, there is an opportunity for a number of players to stake their claim. Head coach Vicente del Bosque has still not decided on his final 23-man squad, but seven will have to be cut from the original 30-man party at the start of next week.

La Roja booked their spot in the finals this summer after topping Group I in their European qualification section. Del Bosque's side picked up 20 points from their eight matches, remaining unbeaten in the process and boasting a goal difference of plus 11. They did drop points against Finland and France, but ultimately finished three points clear of second-placed France. However, prior to winning the competition in 2010, Spain's previous best in the tournament had been fourth in 1950. It has been a truly golden period.



Meanwhile, should Spain win the competition this summer, Del Bosque will become the first coach in history to secure successive World Cups. The former Real Madrid boss also led La Roja to the Euro 2012 title in what has been a terrific six years in charge of his country. Little under 15 minutes until kickoff this evening.

In terms of recent friendly results, Spain were beaten 1-0 by South Africa last November, but their last clash, which was against Italy, ended in a 1-0 win. They were also 2-1 winners over Equatorial Guinea on November 16, 2013 and will be keen to get another victory under their belts this evening. Looking ahead, La Roja face El Salvador next Saturday before starting their World Cup campaign against Netherlands on June 13.

Bolivia, meanwhile, failed to qualify for the World Cup this summer after finishing second from bottom in their South American group. They won just two of their 16 matches, losing eight times in the process, with that run of results leaving them level with basement side Paraguay on 12 points. In truth, it was not much of a surprise – Bolivia have not qualified for a World Cup since 1994.

Bolivia have also never won a single match in the finals of a World Cup, losing five of their six games, scoring just once and conceding 20 times in the process. In terms of recent friendlies, the South American side drew 2-2 with Venezuela last time out, with that result following a 4-0 defeat to Brazil.

PREDICTION: In truth, I am finding it extremely difficult to make a case for Bolivia this evening. Spain are without a number of their key players, but will surely have far too much on the night. My score prediction is 4-0 Spain, who also have a vast array of talent on their bench in Seville.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is a beautiful evening in Seville - let's hope that the football matches the weather and indeed atmosphere. We are almost ready for kickoff...

Five minutes later then expected, the action does indeed commence as Bolivia kick things off at the Estadio Ramon. Spain are all in red this evening, while Bolivia are in white and green.

Early chance for Bolivia to threaten from a free kick as Moreno brings Melean to the ground. Mojica stands over the resulting set piece, but Iturraspe is on hand to clear the danger. Spain attempt to break moments later with Mata, but the Manchester United midfielder cannot find Cazorla and the move breaks down.

Spain have just started to take control of the ball in the last couple of minutes with the likes of Xavi and Mata exchanging passes outside the Bolivia box. Mata delivers a dangerous cross towards Torres moments later, but Raldes is on hand to clear the danger. It could be a long night for Bolivia as Spain continue to dominate.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but Bolivia continue to threaten on the break with Melean and Arce causing problems in forward areas. The former attempts to release the latter, but Reina is quick off his line to claim. Still goalless, but plenty happening in Seville.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Pedro is down the right moments later, but the Barcelona attacker cannot find Torres, who had just pulled off Raldes at the far post. Still no real chances for either side.

Half-chance for Torres as the Spain striker finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was straight at Quinonez. Pedro is involved moments later with another driven cross, but there are no takers and Bolivia regain possession. The opening 10 minutes have flown past, but neither side has really threatened to open the scoring in this international friendly in Sevilla's Estadio Ramon stadium.

Barcelona's Gerard Pique tries his luck for Spain after finding some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Slightly frustrating period of the match for the European and world champions, with Bolivia sitting in and making it difficult for La Roja to break them down.

Another half-chance for Spain as Pedro bursts into the box before rounding Equino, but his effort is into the side netting. Moreno continues to threaten in a wide area, but his crossing has been below the required standard thus far. The Mexican wave has started inside the stadium, which is not the best news for the game!

Melean takes matters into his own hands after finding some space outside the Spain box, but his pass is cut out by Pique at the vital moment. Spain are down the other end with Mata moments later, but the United midfielder cannot find the run of Torres and Bolivia regain possession with 17 minutes on the clock.

The untidy period of the match continues as Spain gain another free kick outside the Bolivia box. Mata takes the resulting set piece, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Still goalless with 19 minutes on the clock, Spain continue to dominate the ball, but clear chances have very much been at a premium.

For a friendly match, there has been an incredible amount of late challenges. Iturraspe is the latest player to go down in the Bolivia half following a lunge from Melean. However, once more the resulting set piece comes to nothing. Moreno continues to threaten in wide areas and the Sevilla left-back breaks past Raldes before combining with Pedro, but his cross is straight into the arms of the Bolivia goalkeeper.

Not too many surprises with 23 minutes on the clock - Spain are in control of the ball, while Bolivia are attempting to threaten on the counter attack. That said, neither side has created a clear chance thus far. One thing is for certain - Bolivia can play. They are neat and tidy in possession of the ball.

Possession football from Spain in the last couple of moments as Pique combines with Martinez before working the ball towards Pedro, but his cross is cleared by Bejarano. Iturraspe works the ball from left to right moments later before finding Azpilicueta, but he cannot find Chelsea teammate Torres inside the box.

Another half-chance for Spain as Torres spins on the edge of the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. That has been the story of the match thus far. Bolivia again go long from the resulting goal kick, but Pique is up above Acre and the danger is cleared.

Half-chance for Bolivia as Mojica delivers a dangerous free kick into the Spain box, but Pique is on hand to clear the danger. Spain are down the other end moments later with Pedro, who finds Mata at the far post, but the United midfielder cannot find Torres, with Eguino on hand to thump clear. Still goalless in Seville.

CHANCE! Spain's best chance of the match comes to Azpilicueta as Mata finds the Chelsea full-back just outside the box, but he curls his effort wide of the post. Much better football from La Roja.

Spain continue to pass and probe in the Bolivia half, but the South American outfit are fairly comfortable in dealing with the danger. A half-chance does come to Cazorla following smart work from Pedro, but Raldes is on hand to make a fine block at the vital moment. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.

The chances continue to arrive for Spain as Mata finds some space outside the box before setting up Pedro, who had cut inside, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Bolivia cannot get out of their own half at the moment and it looks increasingly likely that La Roja will open the scoring before the half-time break.

Again it is bright work from Spain left-back Moreno as the Sevilla defender comes across to challenge Mojica, who had found some space outside the box. Mata attempts to break for La Roja, but Melean fells the United midfielder. Still goalless, but the intensity has certainly risen in the last 10 minutes or so in Seville.

Another half-chance for Spain as Xavi finds some space outside the box before attempting to release Torres, but the Chelsea forward cannot gather. Martins threatens to meet a long pass down the other end, but Reina vacates his goal and is able to head for a throw. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.

Another opportunity for Spain to threaten as Cazorla is felled on the edge of the Bolivia box by Chumacero. The resulting set piece is taken by Mata, but his effort just moves high of the crossbar. From the resulting corner, Torres rises above Raldes, but his effort is over the crossbar. Still goalless in Seville.

CHANCE! Another golden chance for Spain as Torres meets a free kick from Cazorla, but Quinonez is on hand to make a sensational save. Brilliant goalkeeping once more.

HALF-TIME: Spain 0-0 Bolivia

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Spain have dominated possession and indeed created the better chances, but have been frustrated by a well-organised Bolivia outfit thus far. Plenty for La Roja boss Del Bosque to ponder in the next 15 minutes or so.

STATISTICS: As mentioned, Spain have dominated possession with 69%, while they have had 12 attempts - four of which have been on target. Bolivia, meanwhile, have had just one shot off target thus far. In truth, the match did not really get going in terms of tempo until the final 15 minutes of the half.

BENCH WATCH: Spain have an embarrassment of riches on their bench this evening with the likes of Iniesta, Deulofeu, Fabregas, Silva, Busquets and Alba in reserve. Bolivia, meanwhile, are also expected to ring the changes in the second period with Pena, Cardozo, Miranda and Zenteno all in reserve.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Spain begin their World Cup against Netherlands on June 13. Bolivia, meanwhile, face Greece in a friendly next weekend. Let's hope for goals in the second 45 minutes on this beautiful evening in Sevilla.

SUBS! Two changes for Spain at the interval with Albiol and Iniesta entering the field in place of Pique and Mata. It is currently unclear whether Bolivia have made any subs, but I shall bring you up to speed when that information becomes available. La Roja will be looking for an early second-half goal.

Confident start to the second half from Spain, with the likes of Xavi and Iturraspe seeing plenty of the ball. A half-chance arrives for La Roja when Azpilicueta drives a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Pedro and Mojica is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much from Bolivia since the break.

PENALTY SPAIN!

Spain are awarded a penalty as Martinez goes down inside the box under pressure from Gutierrez. It was soft, but there was contact from the defender. It is Torres with the chance to score from the spot.

GOAL! Spain 1-0 Bolivia (Torres, pen)

Beautiful penalty from Torres as the Chelsea forward waits for the goalkeeper to move before chipping his effort straight down the middle. That will do his confidence no harm. Spain lead at the Estadio Ramon.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Torres as the Chelsea forward collects a through pass from Iniesta, but somehow he lifts his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Bolivia just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the home side continue to raise the tempo. Surely more goals will arrive.

Another free kick for Spain just outside the Bolivia box as Chumacero brings Cazorla to the ground. The resulting set piece is delivered by Xavi towards Martinez, but Raldes is on hand to clear for a corner. Pedro has a longe-range effort from the resulting set piece, but his strike is blocked by Melean.

It is almost like a practice match for Spain at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the Bolivia half. The South American outfit have offered very little in the second period it must be said. There are little over 30 minutes of football remaining and therefore both managers will be considering changes.

Torres is again involved for Spain as the Chelsea forward threatens to meet a cross from Moreno, but the Bolivia goalkeeper just does enough to palm clear at the vital moment. Martins combines with Arce down the other end moments later, but the former's effort is straight at Reina, who has been untroubled tonight.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Torres as the striker meets a cross from Iniesta, but he makes a meal of his header and the danger is cleared. He could have had a hat-trick this evening.

SUBS! Three more changes for Spain as Fabregas, Silva and Busquets replace Cazorla, Xavi and Torres. Still no movement on the Bolivia bench, which is a surprise at this stage of proceedings.

PENALTY SHOUT! Strong penalty shout for Spain as Fabregas goes down inside the box under pressure from Raldes, but the referee is not interested. It looked clear-cut, but not for the referee.

SUBS! Bolivia make their first two changes of the match as Bejarano and Miranda replace Melean and Chumacero. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in this international friendly.

CHANCE! The chances continue to arrive for Spain as Iniesta drives into the Bolivia box before finding Silva, but his effort is straight into the arms of Quinonez. It would be a big surprise if this match finished 1-0 as La Roja launch another attack through Pedro. It is all one-way traffic in Sevilla.

Possession football from Spain as the European and world champions continue to pass and probe in the Bolivia half, but the South American outfit have managed to quell some of the pressure in the last couple of moments. Moreno again threatens with a cross from the left, but the Bolivia goalkeeper claims at the feet of Iniesta.

Pass, pass, pass from Spain and in truth, Bolivia just cannot live with it. Silva is again involved with Iniesta, but Raldes just manages to clear at the vital moment. Pedro finds Silva moments later with a threaded pass, but the Manchester City attacker is crowded out by Arce and the danger is cleared.

Martins tries his luck for Bolivia after finding some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. That is the first time that the South American side have threatened in the second half.

SUB! Another change for Bolivia as Arce is replaced by Vicente Arze.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spain as Moreno finds his right-back Azpilicueta at the far post, but the Chelsea defender's effort is straight into the side netting. It remains 1-0 Spain.

Bolivia have never really been in this match, but they trail by just the one goal. If that remains the case at full-time then it would have been a very successful night. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining and that Torres penalty continues to separate the two teams. Surely there are more goals in this contest.

It is almost like a training match at the moment as Spain continue to dominate the possession in and around the Bolivia half. However, the European and world champions just cannot find that second goal. Miranda drives forward from defence for the away side moments later, but he cannot find the run of Arze.

SUB! Spain make their sixth change of the match as Pedro is replaced by Deulofeu, who is making his debut for the senior team this evening. The winger could yet make Del Bosque's World Cup squad.

Still no movement on the Spain bench for De Gea, who was expected to also make his La Roja debut this evening. However, the Manchester United goalkeeper remains planted to his seat. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but Fabregas strikes one just wide of the post.

Half-chance for Spain as Iniesta finds some space outside the Bolivia box before sliding a pass towards Silva, but Quinonez is out to claim once more. The Bolivia goalkeeper has been extremely impressive this evening it must be said. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Sevilla's Estadio Ramon.

GOAL! Spain 2-0 Bolivia (Iniesta)

Spain have their second five minutes from time as Iniesta drives to the edge of the Bolivia box before curling one into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the Barcelona midfielder.

In truth, it has been a very comfortable evening for Spain. Perhaps too comfortable at this stage of their preparations for the World Cup, which starts in less than two weeks. Possession football from La Roja in the last few moments as Bolivia continue to chase shadows in the final third of the field.

POST! Spain come within a whisker of scoring their third as Iniesta rolls a low pass to Busquets, who strikes it first time, but his effort smashes against the foot of the post.

Another half-chance for Spain as Fabregas drives into the box before attempting to lift his effort over the onrushing goalkeeper, but Quinonez just manages to claim. That should be just about that for this one.

SUB! Raldes departs for Bolivia, with Zenteno the skipper's replacement.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of four minutes and we are indeed into the third of those. Spain continue to dominate possession, but another move breaks down when Silva is caught in possession by Miranda.

Half-chance for Iturraspe as the Bilbao midfielder meets a free kick from Silva, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar. Little under 20 seconds of football remaining at the Estadio Ramon.

FULL-TIME: Spain 2-0 Bolivia

So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Spain 2-0 winners over a fairly poor Bolivia outfit. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!

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Barcelona's Andres Iniesta celebrates scoring the winner for Spain in the World Cup final on July 11, 2010.
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