Pedro brace sees Spain past Uruguay

Spain football players

 Pedro extended his recent purple patch for Spain when he struck twice to help the world and European champions to a 3-1 win over Uruguay in a friendly in Qatar on Wednesday.

In a record-equalling 68th match as coach for Vicente del Bosque, nine Barcelona players featured at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium and Spain dominated possession against the South American champions.

They took the lead in the 16th minute thanks to a dreadful blunder by Fernando Muslera.

Cesc Fabregas let fly from distance straight at the Uruguay goalkeeper but he could only palm the swerving shot behind him and into the empty net before pounding the turf with his fist in self-reproach.

Uruguay were looking to catch Spain on the break via pacy forwards Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani but it was midfielder Cristian Rodriguez who equalised in the 32nd minute when he side-footed past Victor Valdes from inside the area.

Pedro restored Spain’s lead six minutes after the break with a low angled shot and turned in a fine Fabregas cross in the 74th minute for his ninth goal in his last six internationals.

The 25-year-old Barca forward has struggled for his club this season, scoring only six times in 30 appearances in all competitions but is highly valued for his work rate and movement off the ball.