The Red Fury defeated Armenia 2-1 in the World Cup qualifier played in Yerevan. In a contest played under intense rain throughout the 90 minutes, Cazorla’s first-half goal was cancelled out by a Arzumanyan header on 58 minutes. The visitors regained the lead six minutes later, Mata scoring from the spot after the Spaniard was brought down by Berezovsky in the box. Fernando Torres played for 55 minutes of the Group E clash as the leaders made it nine wins out of nine.

As was to be expected, the group leaders took the game to their hosts. Fernando Torres worked his way into the box but his pull back looking for a teammate was cut-out by a retreating defender.

Xavi was the first to test Berezovsky in the Armenia goal just before the 20 minute mark. The midfielder’s shot from the edge of the area was punched clear by the keeper. Berezovsky decided against trying to catch the ball due to the wet conditions.

Spain continued to press forward and Villarreal’s Santi Cazorla came close to opening the scoring for the visitors from a well-worked corner. The ball was played short to Cazorla, who cut inside before unleashing a left-footed shot which struck the bar.

Armenia had a great chance to take the lead with just over half an hour gone of the World Cup qualifier. A fast-break from the hosts left Karamyan II one on one with Reina. Luckily for Spain the striker lifted his shot high and wide.

Less than a minute later Vicente Del Bosque’s side were in front. Xavi found Cesc in space and the midfielder chipped Berezovsky with an inch perfect lob.

Mata had a good opportunity to double Spain’s lead moments later, but his shot was blocked by the Armenian keeper. In the final chance of the half, Fernando Torres had a goalbound shot cannon off Hovsepyan and behind for a corner.

Ten minutes after the break Vicente Del Bosque gave Alvaro Negredo his Spain debut, bringing the Sevilla player on for Fernando Torres.

Just three minutes after Torres’ substitution, Armenia scored their first ever goal against Spain. To the delight of the home crowd a free-kick from Goharyan was headed past Reina at the far post by Arzumanyan. The Armenian defender and Puyol both jumped for the same ball, but the goal was awarded to the Armenian number ‘5’.

The Armenian supporters’ joy didn’t last long as Spain were awarded a penalty on 64 minutes. Berezovsky brought down Mata in the area and the midfielder picked himself up to score from the spot.

Spain created a couple of goalscoring chances to add a third, but Berezovsky in the Armenia goal kept Armenia in the game.

It was a quiet final 20 minutes for Reina as the home side failed to test the Spain backline. Three more points for the European champions who are just one victory away from making it a perfect ten wins in ten.

In the other Group E game, Bosnia Herzegovina defeated Estonia 2-0 away to guarantee second-place and a ticket into the play-offs for a spot at next summer’s World Cup.


- Match Stats: Armenia 1-2 Spain

Armenia: Berezovsky, Karlen Mkrtchyan, Hovsepyan, Arzumanyan, Yedigaryan (Arekyalan, 74), Pizelli (Dashayan, 66), Goharyan, Karamyan I, Karamyan II, Mkoyan, Aghvan Mkrtchyan

Booked: Berezovsky, Hovsepyan

Goals: Arzumanyan 58

Spain: Reina, Sergio Ramos, Marchena (Pique, 46), Puyol, Monreal, Senna, Xavi, Cesc, Cazorla, Mata (Iniesta, 67), Fernando Torres (Negredo, 55)

Booked: Marchena, Puyol

Goals: Cazorla 33, Mata 64 (pen)