Villa saves Spain, wins soothe France, Italy

MANCHESTER - David Villa became Spain's leading goalscorer as the world champion came from behind to beat Czech Republic 2-1 and join three other heavyweights in taking charge of their Euro 2012 qualifying groups on Friday.

France, Italy and the Netherlands also extended their leads at the top with wins ranging from the labored to the convincing, but it was Spain's near hiccup that caused the biggest stir.

The European champion was trailing to a first-half Jaroslav Plasil goal before Villa scored twice in four minutes to reach 46 goals for his country, two more than Raul, and send Spain six points clear of the second-placed Czechs in Group I.