Stretching: Scotland's Gary Caldwell (right) jumps for the ball with Spain's David Villa

True, Scotland had their best chance of the half when Naismith’s  backheader found Darren Fletcher - the skipper volleying over from 12 yards - but they were largely spectators for the first 40 minutes, scurrying after Spanish shadows in vain.

McGregor was called into action again, diving low to his right to tip a powerful drive from Villa away for a corner, while four minutes from the break he made another great save from Cazorla.

Just as the sanctuary of half time beckoned, however, that man Silva struck again.

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