Mario plays down wonder goal

Mario Gaspar has insisted that Spain’s 2-0 win against England on Friday was more important than his wonder goal to open the scoring.

The right-back became the first defender to score in his first two appearances for La Roja, and he did so in some style as he unleashed a scissor kick past Joe Hart to break the deadlock in Alicante, but he was relieved to have merely found the back of the net.

“Alcacer was blocked off, so instead of returning the ball to him I played it and finished it off,” he said after the game.

“The truth is that these goals are rarely put in practice, but the most important thing is that it went in.

“It’s one of my best goals, but hopefully it gets better for us.

“I’m pleased [with the win]. I must prolong this run [of games] and hope to return soon.

“A victory over a team like England speaks for itself.

“It’s a very prestigious victory, and to have played it at home and beaten England is something very special.

“[Thiago Alcantara] took a minor knock and it was better not to risk him.

“Hopefully it’s nothing. I only saw a bit of him in the dressing room, so I don’t know if there’s a reason to be very worried.”

Tags England Mario Gaspar Spain
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