World Champion Spain Beats Haiti 2-1
MIAMI GARDENS (AP) — Santiago Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas scored early goals as World Cup champion Spain beat Haiti 2-1 in an exhibition Saturday.
Playing the first of a two-city U.S. tour, Spain controlled the ball and made repeated attacks on goal throughout the first half and withstood a spirited second half response from Haiti.
Spain struck quickly on Cazorla's goal seven minutes into the match. Cazorla dribbled toward his left and converted on a 20-yard shot that landed inside the right pots.
Fabregas's goal in the 18th minute increased Spain's lead to 2-0. Juan Mata's pass found Fabregas five yards inside large area, where Fabregas beat Haiti goalkeeper Frandy Montrevil with a header.
Spain had an opportunity at a third goal in the first half but Montrevil deflected Jesus Navas' shot deep in the penalty area.
Kervens Belfort had Haiti's best scoring threat of the first half when his shot from 12 yards sailed wide right in the 13th minute.
Haiti got on the scoreboard on Donald Wilde's goal in the 77th. Wilde dribbled through the Spanish backline deep into the left wing of the penalty area. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina attempted to cut Wilde's angle but Wilde beat him with a shot that landed inside the far post.
Roberto Soldado had Spain's best scoring opportunity of the second half when his shot from deep inside the penalty area bounced off the right post.
Spain will play Ireland on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium and then leave for Brazil to play in the Confederations Cup, which runs from June 15-30.
Saturday's game at Sun Life stadium attracted a crowd of 36,535.
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