adminLONDON. — The headline result came in Switzerland as a Dani Alves’ own goal consigned Confederations Cup winners Brazil to defeat in Basel.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side had gone 11 games without defeat but lost for the first time in over six months to a determined Switzerland team. Germany were quickly two goals down against Paraguay, but recovered to claim a draw in Kaiserslautern.
The South Americans stormed into a 2-0 lead in the first 15 minutes courtesy of Jose Ariel Nunez and Wilson Pittoni strikes.
Ilkay Gundogan and Thomas Mueller restored parity but Miguel Samudio put Paraguay back in front in first-half injury time. It looked like Joachim Loew’s side were heading for defeat until Lars Bender spared Germany’s blushes with a 75th-minute leveller. Goals in either half from Alvaro Negredo and Santi Cazorla helped Spain notch a professional 2-0 win in Ecuador.
Ecuador were outplayed by a Spain team missing Xavi, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres. Negredo scored a stunning back-heel flick in the 25th minute before Cazorla — who made the most of a rare start — sealed the win in the second half.
There was disappointment for Cesare Prandelli as his Italy side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in Rome.
Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring in the first half and substitute Ever Banega drilled in the second before Lorenzo Insigne curled in a consolation with 15 minutes left.
A debut goal from Southampton striker Rickie Lambert handed England a 3-2 win against rivals Scotland at Wembley.
James Morrison and Kenny Miller had twice put the away side ahead, only for their goals to be cancelled out by Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck.
A late Cristiano Ronaldo equaliser secured Portugal a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, with the Real Madrid star netting with just three minutes to play. Roma’s Kevin Strootman gave Netherlands the lead after 17 minutes. Elsewhere, Belgium and Wales were held to 0-0 draws by France and the Republic of Ireland respectively.
Macedonia, Ukraine and Finland posted 2-0 home wins over Bulgaria, Israel and Slovenia respectively, while Greece and Nigeria also won by the same scoreline on the road, against Austria and South Africa. — Goal.com
Online Reporter