David Silva brace for Spain sinks Belgium in friendly
Posted September 01, 2016 7:00 am
BRUSSELS (AP) - David Silva scored in each half as Spain comfortably outclassed Belgium to beat Europe's top-ranked team 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday.
Silva fired a low shot under Thibaut Courtois, and doubled Spain's lead from the penalty spot after Jordan Lukaku needlessly brought down Victor "Vitolo" Machin.
It was a winning start for new coach Julen Lopetegui, who replaced Vicente del Bosque last month after Spain was eliminated in the round of 16 of Euro 2016.
Belgium's new coach, Spaniard Roberto Martinez, was left realizing he has plenty of work to do to mold his talent-packed squad into a team capable of living up to its potential.
Spain's coach Julen Lopetegui, left, reacts as Belgium's coach Roberto Martinez looks on during a friendly soccer match at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
The Associated Press
Spain's David Silva, center, celebrates after he scored against Belgium during a friendly soccer match at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
The Associated Press
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