Quick-fire double gives Spain 2-1 win over Peru

Quick-fire strikes from midfielders Joseba Etxeberria and Ruben Baraja allowed a rusty Spain to fight back from a goal down to claim a 2-1 victory over Peru in a friendly on Wednesday.

"It was a very competitive game," Spain coach Inaki Saez told Spanish state television. "They gave us plenty of problems early on and started at a spectacular pace."

"We were too relaxed in midfield and lost some crucial balls, but we gradually found our rhythm as the game went on and were able to stage a comeback and create a number of other good chances. It's always good to get into the habit of winning."

Roared on by a noisy crowd containing thousands of their own supporters, Peru took Spain by storm in the first 20 minutes as they streamed through the midfield and threatened with a series of slick attacking moves.

Spain keeper Iker Casillas was pressed into action on several occasions and had to make an impressive fingertip save to turn a powerful header from Peru defender John Galliquio over the bar after a quarter of an hour.

The home side struggled to get hold of the ball and were unable to cope with the lively Peru strike partnership of Pizarro and Andres Mendoza as they constantly outpaced Spain's sluggish back four.

Peru took a deserved lead in the 21st minute when midfielder Nolberto Solano scored with a perfectly struck shot from the edge of the area after controlling a cross from forward Andres Mendoza with his chest.

Defender Martin Hidalgo looked set to add another seven minutes later with a fierce dipping drive, but Casillas managed to get a enough of a touch on it to send it on to the bar.

Just as Spain looked as though they were about to fold under the pressure they turned the game around with two quick-fire goals.

Valencia winger Vicente sent a hopeful cross in from the left, the ball spun off the head of a defender and fell to Etxeberria who cracked in on the volley from close range.

Two minutes later Spain were in front, midfielder Ruben Baraja directing a powerful header low inside the far post after club colleague Vicente had supplied a great cross from the right.

The game lost its edge in the second half following Spain coach Inaki Saez's decision to make seven changes during the break.

Spain came close to extending their lead when substitute Raul Tamudo hit the post two minutes after the restart after raced on to a neat through ball from Carles Puyol and twisted his way past two defenders.

Peru came within a whisker of claiming a late equaliser when substitute Roberto Silva fired a firm shot straight at Santiago Canizares, who had replaced Casillas in goal.