Arsenal's Santi Cazorla played all 90 minutes of Spain's Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus. He was the only current Arsenal player on the pitch, but there were also former Arsenal players and players linked to Arsenal playing in the 1-0 win for the current European Champions.
Spain were dominant throughout the match and were frankly unlucky only to win 1-0. They were attacking right from the first whistle and Pedro and Morata had early chances. Spain's best chances of the first-half came from set plays, which is unlike the 2010 World Cup winners, who are famous for their attacking, passing play. Sergio Ramos had a good chance from a corner and David Silva had a penalty claim turned down.
It was the Manchester City man who scored the first goal, with a Fabregas free-kick being missed by goalkeeper Gorbunov and Silva tapped home at the back post. Belarus had a good start to the second half, but Spain still had chances. Morata had a great chance in the 63rd minute and Santi Cazorla had a low drive well saved by Gorbunov. Belarus pushed for a goal in the end of the second half but Casillas made some good saves and Spain managed to see out the game.
Cazorla given licence to go forward
Santi Cazorla started in an attacking role in Spain's midfield three, and he wasn't scared to get forward. Cazorla was one of Spain's biggest creative forces throughout the match and, despite not really getting into the box, he stayed around the edge of the area and made some key passes to create chances. His best chance came as a shot in the 71st minute, the shot looked to go in at the near post was well saved by Gorbunov.
As well as Cazorla, two players who have previously pulled on the red of Arsenal also played. For Belarus, ex-Arsenal and Barcelona playmaker Alexander Hleb started the match and played the majority of it before being substituted in the last few minutes of the match. Despite being deployed in an attacking role, Hleb did quite a lot of defending and struggled to get forward.
Ex-Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas started for Spain and, like Santi Cazorla, was a good attacking threat. He made some key passes and also took some great set pieces for Spain, which made some great chances. Fabregas got the assist for the only goal of the match after his great free-kick fell to David Silva who slotted home.
Three Arsenal targets also started for Spain with striker Alvaro Morata, winger Pedro and goalkeeper Iker Casillas all putting in good performances. Morata and Pedro were great in the first-half, with Morata the better attacking force of the two. He had some great chances and was unlucky not to score. Casillas had a great second half, making some good saves.
The match keeps Spain second in their qualifying group, behind group leaders Slovakia. The current European Champions are still in the driving seat for qualification and could still finish top of the group as they meet in Spain in September.
