The Korea Herald

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Spain beats China 1-0 in last warm-up before Euro

By Korea Herald

Published : June 4, 2012 - 19:39

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SEVILLE, Spain (AP) ― Spain midfielders Andres Iniesta and David Silva combined to score a late goal in a 1-0 victory over a stubborn China on Sunday in the team’s last warm-up before defending its European Championship title.

Iniesta jumped on a loose ball inside China’s half and scurried into the area before passing to Silva for the 84th-minute winner that gave the World Cup champion its 25th straight victory at home.

China was better in the first half, taking advantage of several uncharacteristic turnovers from Spain to create chances on the counterattack. But the introduction of Iniesta and Jesus Navas lifted the hosts’ attack, with Iniesta and Silva linking up to provide the bulk of the best chances.

Fernando Torres also had some chances but couldn’t beat standout goalkeeper Zeng Cheng.

Gary Cahill out of Euro

England’s injury troubles deepened Sunday when defender Gary Cahill was ruled out of the European Championship after fracturing his jaw in the final warmup match against Belgium.

And veteran defender Rio Ferdinand appeared annoyed that he was snubbed by coach Roy Hodgson as the inexperienced Martin Kelly took Cahill’s place in the 23-man squad.

Cahill, the starting center back, is the third England player in the last week to be ruled out of the tournament, following injuries to midfielders Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry ahead of the June 11 opener against France.

But another central defender, John Terry, was given the all clear by England’s medical staff following fears of a hamstring injury after coming off during Saturday’s 1-0 victory, although he will be re-assessed on Tuesday before the squad travels to its Euro 2012 base in Krakow, Poland. (AP)