Spain seal passage to World Cup 2018

Spain have booked their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. La Roja’s 3-0 win over Italy last month left Julen Lopetegui’s side on the brink of qualification and they sealed the deal with a 3-0 win over Albania in Elche on Friday night.

Goals from debutant Rodrigo, Isco and Thiago Alcantara secured the three points which, coupled with Italy’s 1-1 draw with Macedonia in Turin, ensured that Spain took an unassailable lead at the top of Group G. Spain sit top with 25 points, ahead of Italy on 20 with just one game left to play.

Spain have now qualified for 11 consecutive World Cups; not since West Germany 1974 has a World Cup been played without Spain.