Poor England lose fiery clash
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-11-18 09:02

A slick Spain side have claimed a deserved 1-0 victory over England in a ill-tempered friendly marred by racist chanting at the Bernabeu.

England's David Beckham (L) and teammates argue with Greek referee Georges Kasnaferis after he called a penalty in favor of Spain during their friendly international soccer match against England at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, November 17, 2004. [Reuters]

Athletic Bilbao defender Asier del Horno scored the winner on Wednesday when he looped a header past keeper Paul Robinson in the ninth minute after the English defence had failed to clear a corner from Barcelona midfielder Xavi.

Spain should have extended their lead midway through the half when they were awarded a penalty after Raul went down as Robinson swiped the ball away from his feet.

The England keeper, however, produced a fine diving stop to save the striker's spot kick.

England's Wayne Rooney (R) gets a yellow card from Greek referee Georges Kasnaferis during their friendly international soccer match against Spain at Santiago Bernabeu stadium November 17, 2004. [Reuters]

England never looked comfortable as Spain heaped on the pressure in midfield and the visitors were reduced to playing hopeful balls to the isolated Michael Owen up front.

Fellow striker Wayne Rooney was taken off before halftime after he was booked for pushing Spain keeper Iker Casillas and followed up with a late challenge on defender Carlos Marchena.

Spain continued to dominate after the break as they stroked the ball around the midfield to the delight of the home crowd, but the rhythm of the game was dominated by the stream of substitutions during the second half.

England players Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips were treated to a chorus of monkey noises every time they touched the ball, and large sections of the crowd joined in racist chants during the game.

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