FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.02.2008 23:06

Bojan will have to wait for his debut

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A last minute health problem prevented Bojan from winning his first full international cap in Spain’s 1-0 win against France. Meanwhile, Italy overcame Portugal but Zambrotta picked up an injury and had to come off.

Bojan joined up late with the rest of the Spain squad due to a stomach bug and then suffered a drop in blood pressure at the last moment that forced him to pull out of the friendly played in Malaga on Wednesday. He’ll have to wait a bit longer to make his full international debut.

Narrow win for Spain

Five Barça players were on show at Malaga’s La Roseleda stadium - Xavi and Iniesta for Spain and Henry, Abidal and Thuram for France. The match lacked sparkle but Spain won 1-0 thanks to a goal 20 minutes from full time. Villarreal defender Joan Capdevila hit the net from close range after Iniesta had shot from outside the box.

Despite playing only the first half, Lilian Thuram had an outstanding game in defence, extending a fine the fine run of form he has recently been enjoying with Barça. Abidal was active on the left wing while Henry came close to equalising in the dying minutes. Xavi played alongside Cesc in midfield while Iniesta moved from the right side of the pitch in the first half to the left in the second. Apart from Thuram, the rest of the Barça players played the full 90 minutes.

Zambrotta goes off after 30 minutes

Meanwhile, Italy beat Portugal 3-1, with goals from Luca Toni, Pirlo and Quaglariella. Quaresma scored for Portugal. The negative note was the injury to Zambrotta, who was replaced by Olympique Lyon’s Fabio Grosso. Zambrotta will be examined by Club doctors in Barcelona. Deco, who arrived at the Portugal camp with a medical report from Barça advising caution, played the first half only. He linked up in midfield with Petit and Maniche but was unable to prevent his team’s defeat.