Spain 6-1 South Korea: Holders run riot in penultimate friendly as Premier League stars shine during rout

David Silva celebrates with the the rest of the Spain squad after opening the scoring

David Silva scored the perfect free-kick as Spain thrashed South Korea 6-1 in their penultimate warm-up game before they defend their Euro crown.

The Manchester City midfielder’s spectacular set-piece took the paint off both the post and the crossbar of the goal as it flew into the top corner on the half hour.

He wasn’t the only Premier League player to shine as Cesc Fabregas got the second goal, Cesar Azpilicueta made the third and Hector Bellerin impressed at right back.

MATCH FACTS

South Korea were on a run of 10 games without conceding but they were 3-0 down in 40 minutes. Silva is now the second highest scoring non-forward in Spain’s history behind former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Hierro.

A minute after his free-kick, Spain doubled their lead withAlvaro Morata forcing South Korea keeper Kim Jin-Hyeon into an error and Fabregas scoring into an empty net. On 38 minutes Nolito skillfully converted Azpilicueta’s clever pass and it was three.

There were changes at half time with Pedro, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Thiago Alcantara replacing Silva, Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Azpilicueta. But there was no change in Spain’s domination and Morata scored with a simple header from Thiago’s corner before Nolito got his second and Spain’s fifth.

There was time for Spain coach Vicente del Bosque to tinker with formations in the second half. He switched to a 4-2-3-1 with Bruno alongside Busquets and then took off Pique and put Bruno next to Marc Bartra in centre-defence.

South Korea had rarely threatened in the first half with Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min going closest.

They improved in the second period and Porto’s Suk Hyun-Jun tested Casillas with a cross-shot but Uli Stielike’s side were struggling to break Spain down.

Captain Casillas made way for Spain’s third keeper Sergio Rico with 15 minutes remaining. The decision over who will play in goal for Spain in the first game remains in the balance. David De Gea will now play in Spain’s last friendly next week against Georgia in Getafe. Rico could not keep a clean sheet as Ju Se-Jong’s shot from the edge of the area was diverted past him by Bruno.

But Morata got his second of the game and Spain’s sixth from the tightest of angles after keeper Kim failed to hold Aritz Aduriz’ shot.

‘The most important thing is that we are getting sharper as the tournament approaches,’ said Morata after the game. The holders kick-off their Euros defence against the Czech Republic on June 13 and on this form they will be the team to beat in France.