Live Commentary: El Salvador 0-2 Spain - as it happened

Evening all! Sports Mole continues its build-up to the 2014 World Cup this evening as El Salvador face European and world champions Spain. El Salvador have not qualified for the World Cup since 1982, but Spain will enter the tournament this summer as one of the favourites to triumph. Tonight is another chance for Vicente del Bosque to assess the fitness and form of his players.

As mentioned, El Salvador did not qualify for the World Cup this summer. The Central American outfit have made the finals just twice in their history – the last of which came in 1982 – but they have never won a match at a World Cup. They enter this match, meanwhile, off the back of a 2-1 defeat to African nation Ivory Coast on Thursday morning.

El Salvador have also won just one of their last eight international matches. That victory came against Haiti last July, but they have since appointed a new manager, with Albert Roca overseeing the defeat to Ivory Coast last time out. Tonight is all about pride for El Salvador, however, who currently sit 69 in the FIFA rankings.

TEAMS:

EL SALVADOR: Carrillo; Garcia, Mendoza, Barrios, Larin;, Alvarez, Ceren, Menjivar, Flores; Santamaria, Burgos

SPAIN: Casillas; Juanfran, Ramos, Martinez, Alba; Alonso, Koke; Iniesta, Fabregas, Pedro; Costa

So there we have it. El Salvador put out arguably their strongest XI this evening with Rafael Burgos, who has scored 10 times for his country, leading the attack. There are also starts for Kevin Santmaria and Andres Flores. Spain, meanwhile, welcome Juanfran, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Xabi Alonso, Koke and Diego Costa into their XI. There are also starts for Andres Iniesta, Javi Martinez and Cesc Fabregas.

Spain, however, booked their spot in the finals this summer after topping Group I in their European qualification section. Del Bosque's side picked up 20 points from their eight matches, remaining unbeaten in the process and boasting a goal difference of plus 11. They did drop points against Finland and France, but ultimately finished three points clear of second-placed France. However, prior to winning the competition in 2010, Spain's previous best in the tournament had been fourth in 1950. It has been a truly golden period.

Should Spain win the competition this summer, Del Bosque will become the first coach in history to secure successive World Cups. The former Real Madrid boss also led La Roja to the Euro 2012 title in what has been a terrific six years in charge. However, no European team has ever won the World Cup on South American soil.

As mentioned, this is the second and last warm-up match for Spain. Next week is the real deal as La Roja open their Group B campaign against Netherlands on June 13. Following that match they face South American outfit Chile on June 18, before ending the section against Australia on June 23. It is, without question, the toughest group of this summer's competition. Little under 10 minutes until kickoff this evening.

"The first match against Holland is what worries me most. They're a team who are well-organised, well-run and will surely pose many difficulties. However, you wouldn't think we were at the end of the season. The players are physically capable, training well and will arrive in Brazil in good condition. The competition is tough but in terms of fitness levels, I don't think we have to worry. We know we will play in conditions with a lot of heat and humidity," Del Bosque told Press Association Sport.

PREDICTION: In truth, I am expecting a very straight-forward Spain victory in Maryland. El Salvador will be full of energy, however, which will certainly make it a worthwhile fixture for La Roja. My score prediction is 3-0 Spain, with Costa netting his first international goal for the world champions.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Kickoff will be a couple of minutes later than expected, however, with the national anthems currently taking place.

Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside this vast stadium - let's hope that the football matches up. El Salvador get the first 45 minutes of action underway.

As expected, Spain have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Juanfran and Javi Martinez seeing plenty of the ball. Pedro attempts to find Costa with a sweeping pass, but Garcia is across to clear at the vital moment, before El Salvador launch an attack of their own with Burgos.

Spain are awarded a penalty as Costa goes down in the El Salvador box under a challenge from goalkeeper Carrillo, but replays have shown that it was a harsh decision. He made contact with the ball.

MISS! Fabregas fires his penalty straight over the crossbar. Wow!

CHANCE! El Salvador come close to taking the lead in Maryland as Burgos drives down the left before delivering a dangerous cross towards Ceren, but Martinez just does enough to clear the danger. Incredible opening five minutes to proceedings. It could well be 1-1.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance, this time for Spain, as Pedro collects a through pass from Ramos before attempting to chip his effort over Carrillo, but the El Salvador stopper makes a fine save.

Quite often these type of friendlies take a while to get going, but that has not been the case here. Both sides continue to force the issue in the final third, but Spain have started to dominate the possession.

CHANCE! Spain come close once more as Pedro collects a loose clearance inside the box before squaring to Fabregas, but Garcia is on hand to make a wonderful block. Moments later, Fabregas brings Carrillo into action with a stinging effort. Hardly time to take a breath at the moment.

El Salvador are struggling to keep the ball at the moment as Spain continue to force the issue in forward areas. Pedro is again the target for Ramos, but the Barcelona attacker cannot make contact at the vital moment. The crowd, meanwhile, appear to be enjoying themselves as signs of a Mexican wave become apparent.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Spain remain in control of the possession. The referee, meanwhile, has been forced to intervene on a number of occasions following a host of strong challenges. Nothing much friendly about the opening 16 minutes of this match!

Half-chance for Spain as Iniesta finds some space outside the box before sliding a pass into Alba, but his cross is blocked by Larin. The resulting corner is delivered by Koke, but Barrios manages to clear. Not too much from El Salvador as an attacking threat thus far, but they remain solid in defensive areas.

There appears to be a problem for Alba as the Spain left-back goes down and stays down following a late challenge from Alvarez. It does not look good for the defender. There is concern in the Spain ranks...

... Alba returns to his feet following a period of treatment. I shall keep an eye on his movement over the next five minutes or so. Injuries are a real concern for players at this stage of their preparations.

The pressure from Spain continues as Fabregas finds some space outside the box before sliding a low pass into Costa, but the Atletico Madrid forward is quickly surrounded by blue shirts. The pressure continues with Koke, but once more the move breaks down. Still goalless with 22 minutes on the clock in Maryland.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with Spain guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Costa threatens once more inside the El Salvador box, but the 25-year-old cannot turn under pressure from Flores, who calmly plays back to his goalkeeper. Still goalless in Maryland.

It's bright work from Burgos as the El Salvador forward takes control of a loose pass before winning a free kick from Alonso. The resulting set piece is taken by Larin, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too sure about that, the free kick was some 40 yards out! It would have needed to be spectacular.

CHANCE! Another chance for Spain as Costa breaks into the El Salvador box before attempting to fashion an effort on goal, but Garcia comes from nowhere at the vital moment to make a fine challenge.

Spain have played a lot of balls towards Costa from a deep position thus far, but the Atletico Madrid forward has struggled to make an impact. Ramos slides a pass into Pedro moments later, but the Barcelona attacker had been in an offside position. It is a case of so far, so good for El Salvador with 32 minutes played.

Half-chance for Spain as Iniesta finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Frustrating period of the match for La Roja.

Costa continues to throw his weight around in the final third, but in doing so, the striker seems to have picked up a slight knock. The forward returns to his feet moments later, however, easing concerns of another problem. Just a reminder that both managers have the option of making six substitutions this evening.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Spain as Iniesta finds the head of Barcelona teammate Fabregas inside the El Salvador box, but the midfielder angles his effort just over the crossbar.

Opportunity for Spain to threaten from a free kick as Fabregas is felled outside the box by Larin. The resulting set piece is taken by Ramos, but his effort is wide of the post. La Roja have started to regain serious control in the last few minutes, but they still cannot make their dominance count.

Little under five minutes of the first period remaining and still the score is goalless. Spain continue to dominate possession in the final third, but La Roja are not offering too much in wide positions.

Half-chance for El Salvador as Larin attempts to feed a pass towards Burgos, but the striker was always struggling to make up the ground on Ramos and Martinez. Spain are down the other end with Costa moments later, but the Atletico Madrid forward loses control inside the box and it goes behind for a goal kick.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two teams level at 0-0. Spain have dominated the possession and indeed created the better chances, but it has been a frustrating half for the European and world champions, who missed an early penalty through Fabregas.

STATISTICS: As touched upon, Spain have dominated the possession with 75%, while they have had 11 attempts, but just three have been on target. El Salvador, however, have really struggled in forward areas and managed just one attempt off target. There has been no bookings, meanwhile.

BENCH WATCH: Just a reminder that both managers have the option of making six changes apiece. El Salvador have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Alas, Blanco and Sosa. Meanwhile, Spain have their full squad available, with the likes of Pique, Cazorla, Mata, Xavi, Silva and Torres all expected to feature in the second 45 minutes in Maryland.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Spain open their World Cup Group B campaign against Netherlands next Friday. El Salvador, however, failed to qualify for this summer's finals in Brazil. Right, El Salvador get the second 45 minutes underway.

Cesc just got under the ball, and blazed over. pic.twitter.com/O3SOOwMo8D — AS English (@English_AS) June 7, 2014

SUBS! Three changes for Spain at the interval with Silva, Villa and Cazorla entering the field in place of Pedro, Fabregas and Koke. Not bad replacements to have!

No changes from El Salvador at the interval, which is a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur throughout the second period. As expected, Spain have taken control of the possession in the early exchanges, with Cazorla and Silva already involved with an exchange in the final third of the field.

Burgos makes himself a nuisance for El Salvador after closing down Ramos, but the striker loses possession trying to round Alba. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the early moments of the second half, but El Salvador are attempting to play their football 10 yards further up the pitch.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for El Salvador following a loose back-pass from Juanfran, but Casillas just manages to beat Burgos to the ball. Spain are down the other end with Silva moments later, but the Manchester City attacker's cross is cleared by Garcia. End-to-end football in Maryland.

Half-chance for Koke as the Spain midfielder meets a high ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. Silva has made a terrific impact since entering the field, with the attacker finding space between the lines. Still goalless, however, with 55 minutes played in Maryland.

Just a reminder that both managers have the option of making six changes. Spain have already made three, but El Salvador still have the same XI which started the match. Spain continue to dominate the possession in the final third, but a loose cross from Alba brings another attack to an end.

SUB! El Salvador make their first change of the match as Santamaria is replaced by Renderos.

CHANCE! Opportunity for Spain as Alba meets a loose header from Barrios, but his effort flashes across the face of the goal before hitting Villa and going behind for a goal kick.

Spain open the scoring on the hour mark as Villa turns into an empty net following a header from Ramos. It was poor goalkeeping from Carrillo, however, who came and got nowhere near a deep cross.

Domination from Spain in terms of possession in the last few moments with Cazorla and Silva finding space in the final third. The latter attempts to slide a pass into Villa, but Garcia is on hand to clear. Moments later, Villa strikes one from outside the box, but Carrillo is on hand to make the save.

El Salvador just cannot keep the ball at the moment as another half-chance arrives from a Koke cross, but this time Carrillo manages to clear under pressure from Ramos. Still 1-0 Spain after 65 minutes.

SUB! El Salvador make their second change of the match as Alas replaces Alvarez.

Half-chance for Burgos to threaten for El Salvador following a through pass from Alas, but Casillas is quick off his line to clear the danger. There is still a threat from the Central American side on the counter.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Costa to open his Spain account with a close-range header, but Carrillo is on hand to make a stunning save. The stopper has been just terrific this evening.

SUB! Fourth Spain change as the evening as Busquets replaces Alonso.

Another half-chance for Spain as Costa finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining and Spain will certainly want more goals.

Spain continue to threaten as Busquets picks up possession outside the El Salvador box before sliding a pass into Juanfran, but his cross is blocked by Barrios. El Salvador attempt to break down the other end with Burgos, but once more the striker is left isolated and cannot evade the challenge of Ramos.

SUB! Fifth change for Spain as Xavi enters the field in place of Costa.

SUB! Another change for El Salvador as Molina replaces the captain Flores.

Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last couple of minutes, with the changes harming the tempo of the match, which is not much of a surprise. If it ends 1-0 then El Salvador will be the happier of the two teams there is no question about that. Little over 10 minutes of football to play in Maryland.

Spain continue to deliver from wide areas, but El Salvador have been aerially strong this evening. La Roja continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but Mendoza and Barrios take it in turns to clear the danger. Moments later, Xavi fails to convert from close range following a period of pinball inside the box. It remains 1-0 Spain with 79 minutes on the clock.

CROSSBAR! Busquets comes close to scoring Spain's second after striking one from outside the box, but his effort rattles against the crossbar. Stunning strike from the Barcelona midfielder.

SUB! Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea enters for his Spain debut in place of Casillas, who passes the captaincy to Ramos. This is a big moment for De Gea.

SUB! El Salvador also make a change as Aguilar replaces Larin.

Possession football from Spain in the last couple of moments as they continue to keep the ball in the final third. It has been a worthwhile fixture for the world champions, with El Salvador providing a stern test with their athletic style. Little under five minutes of football remaining in Maryland.

CHANCE! Busquets tries the spectacular after spotting Carrillo off his line, but the Barcelona midfielder's effort, which came from his own half, just drops over the crossbar.

SUB! Another change for El Salvador as Barrios is replaced by Blanco.

Villa scores his second of the match as the striker collects a cross from Silva before finishing into the bottom corner. Spain's record scorer further extends his goal tally for La Roja.

Spain continue to force the issue in the final third with Cazorla and Silva both operating close to Villa. Silva attempts to slide a low pass into the two-goal forward, but Garcia is on hand to clear. We are into the first minute of additional time in Maryland.

So there we have it. Spain conclude their World Cup preparations with a 2-0 win over El Salvador in Maryland. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!