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Torres returns as Spain rout Poland

Danny spurs Portugal to comfortable 3-0 win over Mozambique
Last Updated 09 June 2010, 17:29 IST
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The forward came on for David Villa after 66 minutes, making his first appearance since having knee surgery in April, and netted the side's fifth goal 10 minutes later.

He was the only member of Vicente del Bosque's 23-man squad who had yet to feature after warm-up wins over Saudi Arabia and South Korea in Austria.

The European champions had failed to impress in either of those games but were back to their best on home turf with Villa, David Silva, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro adding the other goals.

“I haven't played for almost two months and was very keen to return, but I wasn't as ready as I thought and had to ease off a little (last week),” Torres told Spanish state television.

With a starting XI that looked much like their strongest line-up, Spain raced into the lead, Iniesta crossing for Villa to put away with the defender's help, as they slid in at the back post after 12 minutes.

Villa's 38th goal for Spain, which leaves him just six short of record holder Raul, rocked the Poles and they quickly conceded a fabulous second.

Iniesta was stationary and surrounded by defenders when he spotted Barcelona team-mate Xavi's run into the area, and lifted the ball over the defence.

Xavi squared first time for Silva, who slotted away unmarked.

Alonso's long-range shot deflected in after 51 minutes, and substitute Fabregas scored with almost his first touch in the 58th after running onto an Alonso through ball. Torres raced into the area in the 81st minute and when the ball broke free after the Polish ’keeper saved, Pedro lobbed a sixth.

Danny on song
In Johannesburg, Portugal winger Danny took full advantage of the opportunity presented by an injury to Nani with a goal and an assist in his team's 3-0 win over Mozambique in their final friendly.

The Portuguese took control in the second half, with Danny sidestepping ’keeper Lama after a Deco through ball to score on 52 minutes. The Zenit player turned provider in the 75th minute, making a fine assist for substitute Hugo Almeida to tap in.

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(Published 09 June 2010, 17:29 IST)

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