Roberto Soldado and Jesus Navas on song for the brilliant Spanish team…
Reigning European and world champions Spain needed a last-gasp Jesus Navas goal to draw 2-2 with Chile in a friendly in the Swiss city of Geneva on Tuesday.
With neither side in World Cup qualifying action, they met in a repeat of a 2011 friendly, in which Spain came from behind to win 3-2.
On this occasion, Vicente del Bosque’s side twice trailed before coming back to draw, with Eduardo Vargas netting twice for Chile and Roberto Soldado and Navas on target for Spain.
Switzerland is home to sizeable communities from both Spain and Latin America, but the smaller Chilean contingent outsung and outdrummed the Spanish fans in the Stade de Geneve.
Roared on by their supporters, Chile took the game to Spain from the outset, attacking hard.
Their efforts paid dividends fast, as Vargas latched onto the ball and launched a powerful fifth-minute strike from the centre of the box, beating Spanish keeper Victor Valdes, who was this time given his chance in goal at the expense of Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas.
Spain drew level in the 37th minute, however, with Pedro Rodriguez finding Tottenham Hotspur striker Soldado, who headed the ball past Claudio Bravo, the Chile ‘keeper who plies his trade in La Liga with Real Sociedad.
There was still time for Vargas to restore Chile’s lead a minute before the interval with an effort that was similar to his first goal, but once back from the dressing room, Spain looked hungry to take control.
Andres Iniesta came close to equalising soon after the restart before substitute Alvaro Negredo failed to make contact with the ball as he lunged on the line.
But, just when it looked like it was not to be Spain’s night, they struck in stoppage time, Pedro helping the ball on for Navas to convert at the near post and deny Chile a first ever win against La Roja in the process.
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