Fati shines as Spain beat Jordan in warm-up tie
Ansu Fati scored his first Spain goal for over two years as Luis Enrique’s side beat Jordan 3-1 yesterday in a World Cup warmup friendly in Amman.
The Barcelona forward, 20, has suffered from injury problems for most of that time but immediately repaid his coach’s decision to include him with a convincing display.
Fati and Marco Asensio, two of the players whose inclusion in the World Cup squad was questioned in some quarters, combined for the opener in the 13th minute.
Real Madrid forward Asensio drove forward and fed Fati, who fired home from inside the area, for his second Spain goal in five appearances.
Another Barcelona youngster, Gavi, doubled dominant Spain’s lead early in the second half with a cool finish, stroking home when the ball broke to him in the box.
Substitute Nico Williams fired a third home late on for his first international goal on his third appearance for La Roja.
Jordan pulled a goal back to delight their fans in stoppage time, with Hamza al-Daradreh beating Cesar Azpilicueta to score.
Spain appeared to avoid any further injury issues in the match, after left-back Jose Gaya suffered an ankle sprain in training on Wednesday night, although it is not believed to be serious.
Luis Enrique’s side, who arrive in Qatar in the early hours of Friday morning, face Costa Rica in their first Group E game on November 23, before playing Germany and Japan.
Late penalty gives Canada
win over Japan
Lucas Cavallini scored an injury-time penalty to give Canada a 2-1 friendly victory over Japan in Dubai yesterday before both teams headed to Qatar for the World Cup.
Japan goalkeeper Shuchi Gonda dived early and still had enough time to get back up and lay a glove on Cavallini’s floated spot kick, but could not keep it out.
The Vancouver Whitecaps striker had been handed the chance to send Canada into their first World Cup in 36 years on a high when the referee pointed to the spot after Miki Yamane fouled Richie Laryea in the 93rd minute.
Japan opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Yuki Soma jumped to poke home a lofted ball into the box by Gaku Shibasaki.
Canada equalised 12 minutes later when Steven Vitoria turned the ball into the Japanese net after Atiba Hutchinson had connected with Junior Hoilett’s corner.
Canada are appearing in their first World Cup since 1986 and will face Belgium, Canada and Morocco in Group F in Qatar.
They play Belgium in their opening game on November 23.
Japan have been drawn in Group E with Germany, Spain and Costa Rica, and open their campaign against the Germans on November 23.