David Silva struck a brace as Spain beat Belgium 2-0 in Brussels on Thursday to give Julen Lopetegui a winning start as their new coach.
Julen Lopetegui’s leadership of Spain got off to a winning start with a comfortable 2-0 friendly win against Belgium in Brussels on Thursday, with David Silva scoring a brace.
Belgium were also playing under a new coach – Roberto Martinez having replaced Marc Wilmots after Euro 2016 – but they struggled to create clear openings at the King Baudouin Stadium.
Silva gave Spain the lead in the first half, finishing well from inside the box after Vitolo did well down the right wing, before the Manchester City playmaker added a second after the break.
Vitolo was fouled by a struggling Jordan Lukaku in the penalty area and Silva made no mistake from 12 yards, converting a caressed spot-kick with ease.
It was not all good news for Lopetegui, however, as Spain’s preparations for their opening World Cup qualifying match with Liechtenstein on Monday were hit by an injury to Alvaro Morata.
Belgium get their campaign under way in Cyprus the following day and Martinez will demand an improvement on this flat performance.
An early mistake by David de Gea almost presented Belgium with the opener in the sixth minute, but Axel Witsel shot wide after the Manchester United goalkeeper fumbled Eden Hazard’s cross.
