SOCCER: INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES: ALBERTO AQUILANI scored with a deflected shot to earn Italy a late 2-1 win over Spain last night in Bari in a friendly between the last two World Cup winners.
The visitors lost both Fernando Torres and Gerard Pique to injury, with the former apparently suffering from concussion.
Italy took the lead with a well-worked goal from Riccardo Montolivo after 11 minutes as the hosts showed greater determination to unsettle the world and European champions for long periods.
But Spain won a penalty against the run of play in the 36th minute and Xabi Alonso levelled from the spot. Spain looked the more likely to add to the scoreline in the second period until Aquilani’s shot deflected off Raul Albiol’s foot to leave Victor Valdes wrong-footed six minutes from time.
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Germany ended an 18-year winless run against Brazil, thanks to a 3-2 victory in Stuttgart.
Bastian Schweinsteiger fired the hosts ahead from a harshly awarded penalty in the 61st minute and teenager Mario Goetze made it 2-0 from a narrow angle six minutes later.
Robinho reduced the arrears for Brazil from another penalty in the 71st only for substitute Andre Schuerrle to restore Germany’s two-goal advantage nine minutes later. Neymar pulled another back for the visitors in stoppage time.
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Robert Snodgrass grabbed his maiden international goal as Scotland claimed a first victory over Denmark since 1975 at Hampden.
A Charlie Adam free-kick was deflected into his own net by William Kvist Jorgensen for the opening goal before Christian Eriksen netted for the Danes. But it was Snodgrass who had the final say against a nation who had prevented the Scots from scoring in their last five meetings.
The 2-1 win is the perfect dress rehearsal for Craig Levein’s men as they prepare to host the Czech Republic and Lithuania in a crucial Euro qualifying double-header at the same venue next month.
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Wales warmed up for next month’s Euro qualifiers against Montenegro and England with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Australia at Cardiff City Stadium.
Gary Speed was able to pick an almost full-strength side with the likes of Gareth Bale, Craig Bellamy and captain Aaron Ramsey all starting.
But the hosts struggled to break down a well-organised Socceroos defence as they fell to a side 89 places above them in the world rankings.
Tim Cahill volleyed the opener for Holger Osieck’s side just before half-time, with Wales mystified by a penalty appeal for a foul on Bale being waved away seconds earlier, before Robbie Kruse tapped in the second just after the hour mark.
Darcy Blake pulled a goal back for the hosts as they finished strongly, but it was not enough to prevent a fourth defeat in five games for boss Speed.
