Spain proved too powerful for a makeshift Northern Ireland side in Belfast last night, strolling to victory with Raul striking twice.
Northern Ireland ... 0, Spain ... 5
Northern Ireland tried to rekindle the spirit of their triumph over Spain at the World Cup 20 years ago by opting for the same away strip of white shirts and green shorts that had been worn on that famous night in Valencia.
However, from just after 15 minutes Spain dominated proceedings and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 23 minutes through Raul, who took advantage of some poor defending.
Williams failed to clear Francisco Pedro's corner and the ball dropped to Raul who made no mistake from close range, firing past Maik Taylor.
Roy Carroll replaced Taylor at half-time and his first task was to pick the ball out of the net when Ruben Baraja scored. In the 54th minute Raul bent a shot past Carroll from 20 yards.
Carroll was at fault for Spain's fourth after 70 minutes when his fumble allowed Carlos Puyol to stab home from close range. Morientes to completed the rout.
Guardian Service
NORTHERN IRELAND: Taylor (Fulham; Carroll, Manchester United, h-t ); Nolan (Wigan), McCartney (Sunderland), Williams (Wimbledon), Hughes (Newcastle); Johnson (Birmingham), Gillespie (Blackburn), Horlock (Manchester City), Elliott (Motherwell); Feeney (Bournemouth; McEvilly, Rochdale, 63), Healy (Preston).
SPAIN: Canizares; Puyol, Nadal, Hierro, Juan Fran; Albelda, Baraja, De Pedro, Joaquin; Raul, Morientes.
Referee: K Clark (Sco).
