Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's international friendly between Spain and Colombia at the Estadio Nueva Condomina in Murcia! This is something of a glamour friendly with two of the world's top 10 teams facing off as Spain prepare for the resumption of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Before we have a more in-depth look at both teams, though, let's first check out who is playing...

SPAIN STARTING XI: Reina; Azpilicueta, Pique, Nacho, Alba; Illarramendi, Koke, Iniesta; Pedro, Silva, Aspas

COLOMBIA STARTING XI: Ospina; Arias, Zapata, D Sanchez, Armero; Aguilar, C Sanchez, James, Cuadrado, Cardona; Falcao

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well Spain are notably missing a few big-name players - including the Real Madrid contingent of Ramos, Carvajal, Isco, Morata and Asensio following their Champions League final against Juventus just four days ago, but they are still able to name a very strong side. It includes the likes of Pique, Alba, Iniesta, Pedro and David Silva, while Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas leads the line.

Colombia's own Real Madrid star does start having been left out of the squad entirely for that Champions League final win over Juventus as James Rodriguez is included by manager Jose Pekerman, while there is notably also a place for Juan Cuadrado, whose brief cameo in last Saturday's final was ended by a controversial red card. Falcao also starts, while Ajax's highly-rated young centre-back Davinson Sanchez is awarded just his second cap at this level.

This should, on paper, be a very entertaining contest between two of the world's top international sides, but Spain will still start as favourites thanks largely to their home advantage. La Roja's dominance on the world stage as been on the wane in recent years, but it speaks volumes for their strength in depth that they can still name a team of that strength with so many key players still to come back in. Julen Lopetegui appears to have got them back on the right track since taking over but, according to the FIFA rankings, this could be his toughest test yet.

Spain are unbeaten in eight matches under Lopetegui, winning six of those and drawing two stretching back to their exit at the hands of Italy in Euro 2016 last summer. They have scored 25 goals in that time too - an average of more than three per game - while conceded just four and keeping five clean sheets. A large portion of those goals came against Liechtenstein - eight, to be exact - but they have also faced the likes of Belgium, Italy, England and France during their unbeaten run.

Spain have won eight of their last nine home games in all competitions and have only lost one of their last 10 friendlies, although that defeat was a surprising one coming at the hands of Georgia back in June of last year. La Roja's most recent outing came in March when goals from Silva and Deulofeu earned them an impressive 2-0 win in Paris, and they another victory tonight would give them three in a row for the first time since November 2015.

This is, of course, mainly a warm-up for the resumption of Spain's World Cup qualifying bid, which begins again on Sunday when they take on Macedonia in Skopje. Spain currently sit at the top of qualification Group G, but they are only above Italy on goal difference so they know there is little margin for error if they are to claim the solitary automatic qualifying spot. With Italy facing Liechtenstein on Sunday, Spain will travel to Macedonia knowing that realistically only a win will do to keep them on top spot.

Colombia are not back in World Cup qualifying action until the end of August, but as things stand it is going pretty well for them in their quest to reach Russia. Brazil have been the standout team in the South American qualifiers this time around, sitting seven points clear of the chasing pack, but Colombia are next in line and are currently on course for an automatic place at the World Cup. Like Spain, though, they have little margin for error as Uruguay and Chile and just a point behind in the final automatic places, while Argentina are only two points adrift in the playoff place.

Colombia's place above those high-calibre teams should give some idea of the quality they have at their disposal and, while the FIFA rankings are far from being a definitive representation of which are truly the best teams in the world, Colombia's position in fifth is hard to ignore. Spain are down in 10th, behind the likes of Switzerland, Belgium and Portugal, but Germany are the only European side ranked higher than Colombia according to football's governing body.

Colombia come into this match having won their last two games, the most recent of which was a 2-0 away triumph over Ecuador in March. Rodriguez and Cuadrado got the goals in a match which also saw Ecuador reduced to 10 men shortly after the hour, making it back-to-back victories for Colombia following consecutive defeats and four games without a win before that. Another win this evening would make it three wins on the bounce for the first time in 12 months.

A clean sheet would also make it three consecutive clean sheets in a row for the first time since June 2015, and there don't tend to be many goals in Colombia's matches - only Argentina have scored fewer in the top seven of South American qualifying, while only Brazil and Argentina have conceded fewer too. Brazil, incidentally, are the only team to beat Colombia in a friendly match since March 2011, since when they have lost just twice in 23 non-competitive fixtures. That includes one defeat in their last 10, although that did come in their most recent friendly when Brazil ran out 1-0 winners. After tonight's match they will stay in Spain and take on Cameroon in Getafe.

PREDICTION: Right, we're nearing kickoff in Murcia now, which means that it is time for a prediction! Friendlies are often hard to call, particularly when involving two very good teams like these. However, Spain have the home advantage tonight and have plenty of players who will be hoping to play their way into the starting XI for Sunday's match against Macedonia, so we're going for La Roja to edge it 2-1.

This is just the third ever meeting between these two countries, all of which have come in friendlies. The most recent of those came at the Bernabeu in February 2011 when only a late David Silva goal saw Spain edge to a 1-0 win, whereas the other ended in a 1-1 draw in Bogota 36 years ago.

Right, the players are out and we're just about ready to go. Murcia's stadium is not used to seeing such an array of stars, but there are plenty on show tonight!

Before kickoff we will have a minute of remembrance for a former Colombian international who played for his country at the 1962 World Cup.

KICKOFF: Colombia get us underway at the Estadio Nueva Condomina!

Pique is no stranger to being booed in stadiums across Spain whilst wearing the red of his country, and this is no different tonight. He is being whistled every time he gets on the ball by this Murcia crowd.

Colombia have their first chance to break against this Spain defence as Falcao wins the ball off Azpilicueta and drives forward, but he looks for the pass instead of going himself and his square ball is cut out.

Brilliant football from Spain as they attack down the right flank, with the ball eventually being flicked into the path of Azpilicueta. He picks out Silva on the edge of the box, but his effort is well blocked.

Spain have seen a lot of the ball in these opening stages, and that last move was the best we have seen so far. Spain may not quite be at full strength but they look in complete control of this one in the early exchanges.

CHANCE! Spain have the first clear sight of goal, and Silva probably should have taken it! Iniesta slides an incisive ball through to send Silva clean through on goal, and the Man City man takes it into his path brilliantly. His first shot is saved by Ospina, his second is blocked by a defender after the rebound fell back to him and then he has a third bite at the cherry too, but Ospina makes a comfortable stop.

SHOT! The resulting corner is not fully dealt with by Colombia and Koke nicks possession back just outside the area, but his subsequent shot is well over the crossbar.

SAVE! Better from Colombia as Arias gets down the right before playing a dangerous ball into the box which Spain have to deal with. The ball falls back out to Cuadrado, whose long-range strike proves too hot to handle for Reina. He parries it back into a dangerous area and Falcao is dragged down by Pique when looking to get onto the end of the rebound, but the linesman's flag is up.

That was the first time that Colombia have been able to keep the ball in the final third tonight. Otherwise, it has been all Spain in this match so far and Julen Lopetegui will be pretty happy with what he has seen from his side so far.

Good pressing from Spain as they win the ball back high up the pitch and, while nothing comes of it, the hosts are approaching this friendly in a serious way.

Cuadrado whips a good ball into the box which Falcao attacks, but it is just too high for the striker. Cuadrado does look like the one most likely to make things happen for Colombia tonight, though.

SHOT! Really sharp run from Pedro as he darts down the right flank before cutting inside and going for goal with his left foot, which did plenty of damage in helping Chelsea to the Premier League title in the season just finished. This time, though, his powerful strike flies narrowly over the top.

There has been plenty of speculation over the future of James Rodriguez this summer and this could be a good shop window for him, but he has struggled to get into the game so far tonight.

Ruthless from Spain as they slice right through Colombia to break the deadlock, and it is Silva's 31st goal for his country. Aspas gives the ball out to Pedro who in turn puts a quick low ball into the middle for Silva, who has made a very good run into the box from deep. Silva gets enough on it to turn it towards goal, but Ospina should still so a lot better. The keeper gets there and gets his hands to it, but he cannot prevent it from creeping over the line.

Almost another chance for Spain as Pique pings a great long pass over the defence for Aspas breaking into the box, but it is just a touch too far in front of the striker.

This is a deserved lead for Spain - they have been comfortably the better team in this match so far. Colombia need more from the likes of Rodriguez and Falcao.

Falcao almost does get a chance to give them more as he darts into the middle for an Arias cross. Falcao gets to the ball first in the box too, but when trying to turn his man Illarramendi is able to get his foot in.

CLOSE! Aspas almost produces a stunning piece of skill which would have Liverpool fans wondering whether it is the same player who did that corner during his time at Anfield. Koke plays a low ball into the box from the right and Aspas tries to flick it goalwards with a backheel, but his effort ripples the side-netting.

A minor flare-up between Cuadrado and Alba as the pair get tangled up on the floor and almost come to blows. The referee steps in to sort it out, though, and no cards are needed.

CLOSE! Rodriguez has barely had a kick so far tonight, but he bursts into life here and almost scores a beauty of a goal. The Real Madrid man collects a pass on the edge of the box before turning past Iniesta with a lovely piece of skill and trying to pick out the bottom far corner with the outside of his left foot. The keeper may struggle to get there if it is on target, but it bounces a yard or two wide.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the night is shown to Silva for a cynical trip on Falcao. No complaints there, even in a friendly.

SAVE! This is better from Colombia now, and most notably better from James Rodriguez. He has another shot at goal here, but this time it is fairly comfortable for Reina.

This has been a good competitive match so far, and it is getting more and more physical as we approach half time. Who said friendlies don't mean much?

Out of nowhere, Colombia are level! It is dreadful defending from Spain, who looked to be in control of the situation before allowing Cardona to nip in and apply the finishing touch. An aimless ball into the box is allowed to bounce as Azpilicueta, Pique and Reina all leave it for each other, leaving the keeper in no-man's land as Cardona steals in and lifts it over him. Pique tries to get back and hook it off the line, but he can't get enough on his clearance.

All three Spain players have got to do a lot better there, but Azpilicueta has to take the initiative and clear the danger if there are any doubts in his mind. Reina has not filled his side with confidence tonight either, though, and none of them covered themselves in glory there. Poor defending.

There is a concern for Spain here as Silva calls for treatment with what initially looks like a muscle problem, but after a brief period off the field he asks to come back on and is allowed to do so. There is no real need for Spain to take any risks over him, but it looks like it may only be an impact injury.

Another shaky moment for Reina as he very nearly gives the ball away inside his own area. He has not been convincing tonight.

YELLOW CARD! Neither side is approaching this one as a friendly! Davinson Sanchez is the second name in the book tonight for a really poor, late challenge on Aspas.

There will be one minute of added time at the end of this first half.

An entertaining first half comes to an end in Murcia, then, and we are all square between Spain and Colombia. Spain were the better side for the most part in that opening 45 minutes, but Colombia did start to get back into the game as it wore on and probably just about to go into the break level - if only for Spain's defending for the equalising goal.

The opening goal arrived midway through the half, but Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina will feel that he should have done a lot better. Aspas and Pedro linked up to devastating effect on the right wing, with the latter swinging a low ball into the middle for David Silva. The Man City man steered his effort towards goal, but Ospina got there and should have pushed it away. He could not prevent the ball from creeping over the line, though, as Spain took a deserved lead.

There was an even bigger defensive error for Colombia's equaliser, though, as Pique, Azpilicueta and Pepe Reina all left the ball for themselves inside the area rather than anyone taking charge. That allowed Cardona to nip in and lift the ball over the stranded Reina, and Pique could not get back to hook the ball off the line.

As is often the case in friendlies, I would expect the second half to be disrupted by a lot of changes, but hopefully it wouldn't affect the rhythm of the game too much. It has been a good, competitive match up to this point and the fans will be eager for more of the same in the coming 45 minutes.

KICKOFF: Spain get us back underway for the second half, and there have been changes from both sides at the break with Alba, Asensio and Monreal coming on for the hosts and Murillo introduced for Colombia.

CHANCE! Early chance for Spain to regain their lead in this second half! Asensio darts down the right flank but his low cross into the box is too close to the keeper when a better ball would have given Saul a clear chance. Ospina spills it at the feet of Saul, but the Spain man cannot turn on the ball and Ospina eventually gathers it.

Ospina needs some treatment after that having been caught in the head by the knee of his own defender. The Arsenal keeper should be fine to continue, though.

Spain are again seeing more of the ball in the opening stages of this second half, but they didn't carry as much of a threat towards the closing stages of the first half and haven't looked like getting back to it yet in the second.

Almost a chance for Spain to get in behind Colombia again as Asensio dribbles to the edge of the area but, with the marauding Monreal unmarked on the left flank, Asensio delays the pass just too long and sees it blocked.

Maybe this is why Asensio didn't give it out to Monreal... This time the ball does skew rather fortuitously into the path of the full-back, but he goes for goal first time and slices it well wide of the target.

SAVE! Another sight of goal from Spain as Aspas lets fly, but Ospina makes the save and holds on to it.

Just when Spain were getting on top again, Colombia take the lead for the first time tonight! It is a towering header from Falcao as he bullies Azpilicueta at the back post to plant a firm header past a helpless Reina from a corner.

SPAIN SUBS: Spain make a couple of changes in the immediate aftermath of that goal as Gerard Deulofeu and Alvaro Morata replace Pique and Aspas.

Good play from Pedro as he skips past a couple of challenges before going down under the challenge of Aguilar. Spain have a free kick in a very good position...

SAVE! It is a fine effort from Koke and Ospina can take no chances despite it looking like it might go wide of the near post. The Arsenal keeper dives across to put it behind for a corner.

Colombia are still carrying the odd threat despite giving up much of the possession to Spain. A long ball over to the right almost picks out Cuadrado here, but he can't quite get his foot to it.

CLOSE! Spain are very close to an equaliser here as Illarramendi swings a cross into the middle for Morata, who steers a header inches past the far post. Ospina couldn't have done anything about that had it been on target.

Just 25 minutes remain in this one now and, while this may only be a friendly, it should be regarded as a very impressive result for Colombia if they hold on. Spain have approached this game in a competitive manner but it is Colombia coming out on top as things stand.

COLOMBIA SUBS: Two changes for Colombia here as Giovanni Moreno replaces Aguilar.

More pressure from Spain as they come forward down the right and test Colombia with a couple of crosses into the box, but the visitors are able to repel the danger. From the resulting corner Morata attacks the front post and nods the ball well over the bar.

Colombia are just sitting deeper and deeper now, inviting the pressure onto them and looking to hit Spain on the break. It is a risky tactic against this Spain team, but they have those threats on the counter to pull it off.

YELLOW CARD: Pablo Armero is the third player in the book tonight for a poor challenge on Monreal. Quite feisty for a friendly, this one!

Spain are beginning to run out of time here. This is not exactly the best preparation for their World Cup qualifier against Macedonia, although they would expect a much easier test on Sunday.

Colombia are still getting forward whenever they get the chance, and they believe they can still get a third goal here. That would surely kill Spain off once and for all.

SPAIN SUB: Spain make their final change of the night as Vitolo is introduced.

COLOMBIA SUB: Colombia also make a sub as Carlos Bacca replaces Falcao for the final stages.

COLOMBIA SUB: Another change for the visitors as Rodriguez is replaced by Luis Muriel.

Spain look a little out of ideas at the moment. Not too long ago they came from two goals down in the dying stages against England to rescue a draw so we can't count them out yet, but Colombia are looking quite comfortable at the moment.

Spain are now camped inside the Colombia half, with a yellow wall in front of them. The visitors are challenging the hosts to break them down, and right now they don't look like doing that.

You were beginning to wonder where a goal would come from for Spain, but Morata produces the goods with a fine header. Saul swings the cross in from the left flank and Morata gets in front of his man before steering a pinpoint header into the bottom far corner.

COLOMBIA SUB: Another change for the visitors sees Izquierdo come on.

There will be four minutes of added time at the end of this match.

SAVE! Moreno forces one late save from Reina with an effort from range, but it is an easy one for the Spain keeper.

International friendlies can sometimes be more of a chore than a treat, but that was certainly the latter. These two produced an entertaining contest, as expected, and it ends all square thanks to Morata's late equaliser. Spain had taken the lead in the first half, but they needed a late goal to maintain their unbeaten record under Julen Lopetegui after Cardona and Falcao had turned the game on its head.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's match as Spain and Colombia play out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Murcia! I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to check back in for plenty more international football over the coming days. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!