Spain tops Ireland in friendly at Yankee Stadium

Spain players celebrate after scoring against Ireland. (AP/Kathy Willens)

NEW YORK — Roberto Soldado and Juan Mata scored second-half goals to lead World Cup champion Spain to a 2-0 victory over Ireland in a friendly at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday.

Soldado struck after a pass from Alvaro Arbeola in the 69th minute. Mata took a pass from Santi Cazorla in the 88th minute and beat Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

Spain controlled play most of the game before 39,368 fans.

Spain, which beat Haiti 2-1 in Miami on Saturday, will leave for Brazil this week to play in the Confederations Cup scheduled for June 15-30.

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