Spain stole a dramatic 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in Friday s Euro 2012 qualifier courtesy of record-breaking David Villa.
Villa scored a late brace to increase his tally to 46 international goals, making him Spain s all-time top goal-scorer ahead of Raul (44).His milestone was undoubtedly lost on the Czech Republic, who looked set for an upset of epic proportions at Granada s Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes following Jaroslav Plasil s early goal.But Villa s goals, the second of which came from a heartbreaking penalty call against the visitors, ensured Spain would stretch their winning streak in Euro 2012 qualifying to four games.The reigning world and European champions sit on top of Group I with 12 points, six clear of second-place Czech Republic.Plasil s opener on 29 minutes came against the run of play, the Bordeaux midfielder taking a pass from Arsenal man Tomas Rosicky well outside the area and blasting a low shot past Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.As the hour ticked over and Spain failed to nab an equaliser, the visitors had to think they were a chance of stealing at least a point from their all-conquering opponents.But it all fell apart in a three-minute period as Villa stole the match off his own boot, beginning with a bit of individual brilliance in the 69th minute.The Barcelona superstar collected Andres Iniesta s pass at the edge of the area, cut inside his marker and split two defenders and Czech custodian Petr Cech with a stinging low strike inside the right post.Three minutes later, Czech defender Jan Rezek cut down Iniesta in the area with a needless challenge, and Villa slammed the spot kick wide of Cech for a 2-1 lead.Spain overran the visitors in the latter stages and could have had another through substitute Fernando Torres, whose attempt was well saved by his Chelsea team-mate at the line.
