Spain prove too strong for Belgium
 |  Goalscorer Raul (left) challenges for the ball during Spain's win over Belgium |
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SANTANDER, Spain -- Quick-fire goals from strikers Albert Luque and Raul gave Spain a 2-0 win over nine-man Belgium in their World Cup Group Seven qualifying tie.
Belgium were reduced to 10 men after just 28 minutes of their Group Seven match when defender Eric Deflandre was sent off for protesting against a decision by referee Kim Milton Nielsen.
But Spain were slow to take advantage and it was not until 15 minutes into the second half that they got the breakthrough when Deportivo striker Luque rifled home after a neat assist by Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes.
Skipper Raul made it 2-0 three minutes later when he headed home from six meters out, taking his tally of international goals to 40 in 79 games.
Belgium suffered a further setback three minutes later when midfielder Bart Goor was dismissed for spitting at Xavi and from then on the result was never in doubt.
"It was very important to win and gain confidence," Raul told Spanish TV. "It was a very difficult game but there are no easy ones. We deserved a goal even before the first dismissal but that did make it easier for us."
The victory gave Spain four points, just behind leaders Lithuania and Serbia-Montenegro on goal difference. Serbia-Montenegro drew 0-0 with Bosnia earlier in the day. Belgium fell to fifth in the six-team group with one point.
Spain visits Lithuania on Wednesday, while Belgium's next game is against Serbia in Brussels on November 17.
The win should give a boost to coach Luis Aragones, who drew criticism for making allegedly racist remarks about French striker Thierry Henry during training.
