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Rafa Nadal leads the way, but who are the world's most sporting sportsmen?

Times Online

Rafa Nadal has won new friends around the world due to the graciousness with which he accepted his first defeat at the French Open on Sunday.

After four straight victories at Roland Garros, it would have been understandable for the world No 1 to shun the press, hop on a plane and sulk at home in Mallorca.

Far from it. Nadal, speaking exclusively in his Times Online blog, insisted his defeat to Robin Soderling in Paris "was not a tragedy". "It was only a tennis match," he said. "No big drama. It happens, and I knew it would happen one day. I played really bad and on top of that he played well.”

Readers of his blog have been quick to congratulate the Spaniard on his attitude. “The way that you and Roger Federer conduct yourselves, win or lose, is a great credit to you both and your sport. I wish people in other sports could learn from that,” said Chris.

Full-time: Spain 2, England 0

England win a corner in the final minute of stoppage time, but Beckham's delivery is easily taken from the air by Reina. And that's it.

It's been a night to forget for England but one to remember for David Beckham. England's winning run is halted by the European champions, and this has been a little reality check. England haven't been embarrased by any means but they have most certainly been second best out there.

David Villa gave Spain the lead after 36 minutes with a wonderful piece of individual skill after England had started brightly. But after the break it was all Spain and they wrapped up victory when Fernando Llorente's powerful header flashed past David James with eight minutes remaining.

Beckham's introduction at half-time took him level with Bobby Moore on 108 caps, but England begin the year with a defeat. It will be how they end 2009 that really matters.

89mins: Spain 2, England 0

There will be two minutes of added time, and it should be said that there has been no sign of the racist chanting that marred England's last trip to Spain.

Beckham is still battling away out there and shows he cares but gets booked for his passionate protests as a refereeing decision goes against England.

85mins: Spain 2, England 0

England are chasing shadows out there and, maybe not surprisingly, have quite simply been outclassed.

This is a reality check for Capello's England, who have seen tonight just how far they have to go if they are to win the next World Cup.

Beckham is still battling away out there. He rolls back the years, bursting through the centre of midfield before guiding a perfectly weighted through ball to Carlton Cole. The West Ham striker rounds Pepe Reina but his goal-bound shot is cleared by Marchena. Great stuff from Beckham! Some hunger and drive at last.

83mins: Spain 2, England 0

2-0 and crusing so what do Spain do? They bring on a striker for a midfielder. The brilliant Xavi makes way for Daniel Guiza as Spain look to hammer home their advantage. The crowd are really loving this, but you just can't help feeling that England could have shown slightly more ambition in this second half.

GOAL! Spain 2, England 0

GOAL! It's been coming. Fernando Llorente scores his first international goal with a bullet header from Xavi's curling free-kick. The Spanish striker directs a powerful header past the stranded Robert Green, who had no chance, from the left-hand side of the area eight yards out. Simple but brilliant.

Matthew Upson went walkabout there and England are staring down the barrel of a second defeat under Fabio Capello.

78mins: Spain 1, England 0

Beckham has looked fit and eager during this second half but he hasn't been keen to push forward and give England that attacking outlet they could really do with on the right.

The AC Milan midfielder shows his appetite by charging into a challenge with Gerard Pique.

Meanwhile, Carlton Cole's first meaningful touch is a half-chance but the West Ham striker blasts high and wide. 

75mins: Spain 1, England 0

After 19 appearances for the Under-21s Carlton Cole makes his England debut. He comes on for Agbonlahor, who had a quiet game.

15 minutes to go, will England even attempt to have a go here...Spain are stroking it around almost contemptuously at the moment with both Iniesta and Alonso seeing ridiculous amounts of the ball.

73mins: Spain 1, England 0

Like London buses...yes another England chance.

Agbonlahor finds space on the right and crosses for Frank Lampard who can only head straight at Reina. Still two chances in three minutes is better than nothing.

Carlton Cole is poised to make his England debut imminently.

70mins: Spain 1, England 0

At last an England chance. A trademark Beckham cross-field ball finds Wright-Phillips on the left. He bursts past Ramos, but his shot from the edge of the area resembles a pass back, which Pepe Reina gathers easily.

Only once have England failed to score under Capello, which also led to their only defeat to France in Paris last year.