News
LUN 12.06.2017
Spain have held on to top spot in their qualifying group for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after seeing off Macedonia 2-1 in Skopje this Sunday evening.
Julen Lopetegui's side were dominant from the offset and capitalised on their good play with an early goal from David Silva. Spain had complete control of the match and it wasn't long before they extended their lead, thanks to a strike from Diego Costa, the Brazil-born hitman's fifth of this qualifying campaign. La Roja could've added more to the scoreline, but Macedonia's keeper kept Isco at bay on two separate occasions.
Spain started the second half on the back foot, and the home side took advantage of this by pegging a goal back in the 65th minute. Yet Spain were not to be overwhelmed, recomposing themselves and seeing off a Macedonian fightback to take home all three points – crucial for their World Cup aspirations.
Spain are level on sixteen points with Italy in Group G but lead the table thanks to their superior goal difference. The top two sides face each other on 2 September in the Santiago Bernabeu in a game which may decide which of the two will qualify automatically for the World Cup in Russia and which will have to face the hurdle of the playoffs.
© LALIGA - 2017