Villa boost for Spain as holders begin defence

The 30-year-old Barcelona striker, who sat out Spain's triumphant Euro 2012 campaign, came off the bench to score in his first game back for both club and country and his eye for goal appears as sharp as ever.

His strike from the penalty spot in Friday's 5-0 friendly victory against Saudi Arabia was his 52nd goal for his country on his 83rd appearance and he told reporters afterwards the surgery to repair his leg had been a complete success.

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