..::Football IV::..

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Colombia 1 Bolivia 0: Captain James hits crucial late winner

James Rodriguez scored a dramatic winner with seven minutes remaining as Colombia got their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a 1-0 home win over Bolivia.

It looked as if Jose Pekerman's side were heading towards a frustrating draw in Barranquilla, until captain James netted from the rebound after his penalty had been saved by Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe.

Colombia had earlier hit the crossbar twice through Luis Muriel and Yerry Mina, but Juan Cuadrado was then fouled by Cristian Coimbra in the box to give the hosts a chance from the spot.The home team have now ended a poor run of form that saw them come into the game winless in their last three qualifiers, failing to score in their last two.

They move above Ecuador, Chile and Argentina and into the automatic qualification spots for Russia 2018, ahead of the other matches later on Thursday.
Bolivia, meanwhile, remain second bottom of the table. Angel Hoyos' side beat Paraguay last time out but have now lost seven straight away matches in qualifying.

Colombia came close to getting the opener when Muriel latched on to Pablo Armero's cross and sent a first-time volley against the bar from 10 yards.Lampe then saved Mateus Uribe's strike at the second attempt after the Colombia midfielder had been found by Macnelly Torres.

The hosts – already playing without the injured Radamel Falcao - suffered a blow just after the half-hour mark when Muriel limped off with an apparent hamstring injury, Luis Quinones replacing him.And Colombia could not find a breakthrough prior to half-time, Cuadrado heading narrowly wide from James' cross in their last big chance of the half.

Real Madrid star James saw his header from Armero's cross pushed away by Lampe after the break as Bolivia continued to frustrate the hosts, despite offering little attacking threat themselves.

Colombia soon struck the woodwork for the second time, Mina's looping header from a corner bouncing off the underside of the bar and adjudged not to have crossed the line.Macnelly had Lampe worried with a 25-yard drive that just flew wide, before Pekerman's final change saw Edwin Cardona replace the ineffective Carlos Bacca.Lampe saved James' dipping effort and a penalty claim for handball against Coimbra was turned down as the match entered the final 10 minutes.

But Coimbra was penalised in Colombia's next attack, the Bolivia defender ruled to have fouled Cuadrado as the Juventus winger raced onto the ball in the right-hand side of the box.

That allowed James to step up from the spot, with Lampe saving his initial effort with a dive to his right, but his parry allowed the Madrid star to convert the rebound from eight yards and give Colombia a sixth straight win in competitive matches against Bolivia.

 

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Uruguay 1 Brazil 4: Paulinho scores hat-trick as visitors close in on qualification

Paulinho scored an unlikely hat-trick and Neymar starred as Brazil extended their winning run and lead atop the World Cup qualifying standings with a 4-1 victory over Uruguay.

In Thursday's top-of-the-table clash in Montevideo, Brazil came out on top in style thanks to a hat-trick from former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho and Neymar's delicious lob.

Edinson Cavani opened the scoring with a ninth-minute penalty - his 40th international goal - but Paulinho restored parity via a stunning long-range strike 10 minutes later before giving Brazil the lead seven minutes into the second half.

Neymar's touch of class 16 minutes from time made it 3-1 and Paulinho sealed the points in stoppage time with his third as Brazil snapped Uruguay's 14-match unbeaten record at home in World Cup qualifiers - dating back to 2009 - while making it eight wins in a row under head coach Tite.

Brazil are now seven points clear of nearest challengers Uruguay after 13 matches in the CONMEBOL section on the road to Russia 2018.Both Uruguay and Brazil were without their leading forwards for the blockbuster reverse fixture at Estadio Centenario, following last year's 2-2 draw in Recife.

Uruguay's all-time top goalscorer Luis Suarez missed the match through suspension as Cavani led the line for the hosts with the support of Diego Rolan. Experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was also banned and replaced by Martin Silva.

In a somewhat troublesome position for Brazil in recent years, the South American giants were without the services of injured 19-year-old star Gabriel Jesus. While not a like-for-like replacement, Roberto Firmino started up top amid the team's run of six successive qualifying wins.

Brazil should have taken the lead after just four minutes. A strong, surging run from Neymar starting on the halfway line saw Philippe Coutinho played through in the penalty area and a delightful delivery across the six-yard box only needed a touch but Firmino fluffed his lines with an open goal at his mercy.

Uruguay breathed a sigh of relief and then broke the deadlock themselves from the spot in the ninth minute. Alisson - struggling for game time at Roma - conceded a penalty for bringing down Cavani after a careless back pass from Marcelo, who tried to chest the ball down to the goalkeeper. There was only going to be one outcome as Cavani converted emphatically for his sixth goal in five international appearances.

The match continued to live up to the pre-game hype as Brazil drew level thanks to a wonder goal from Paulinho after 19 minutes. The Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao midfielder took one touch before unleashing a rocket of a shot into the top corner of the net.

Neymar was lively throughout the first half, gliding past opponents with ease but it was Uruguay who almost headed into the half-time break with a lead after Matias Vecino's header flashed just wide of the far post.

Brazil stormed out of the blocks in the second half as they claimed the lead in the 52nd minute. Firmino turned and forced Silva into a low diving save from the top of the area but Paulinho was on hand to tuck away the rebound.At the other end, Cavani came close to levelling proceedings but his free-kick was pushed away by Alisson just past the hour-mark.

And as Uruguay committed numbers forward, they were exposed in defence as Neymar produced a stunning chip over the onrushing Silva before Paulinho completed his three-goal haul late in the game to see Brazil to their fourth consecutive qualifying victory away from home.

 

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Argentina 1 Chile 0: Messi penalty the difference

A Lionel Messi penalty saw Argentina to a vital 1-0 win over Chile in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.The Barcelona star struck from the penalty spot in the 16th minute at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires.

Messi sent Claudio Bravo the wrong way with his spot-kick after Jose Fuenzalida had brought down Angel Di Maria in the area.Chile had earlier had a goal correctly ruled out for offside before Nicolas Otamendi should have doubled Argentina's lead late in the first half.

Alexis Sanchez almost secured a point for Chile just after the hour-mark, only to watch his free-kick smash against the crossbar.Despite being outplayed in the second half, the hosts held on in a huge result for Edgardo Bauza's men, who rose to third in the table and left Chile in sixth.

Argentina started with an attacking line-up, as Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Di Maria joined Messi in the XI, while Ramiro Funes Mori missed through suspension.

Chile were boosted by the availability of Sanchez, the Arsenal star having been under an injury cloud heading into the clash.But coach Juan Antonio Pizzi was without Arturo Vidal (suspended) and the injured Marcelo Diaz.

The visitors thought they had taken a seventh-minute lead in Buenos Aires, Fuenzalida bundling in after Sergio Romero could only parry a Charles Aranguiz header from Sanchez's cross.However, the effort was correctly ruled out for offside.Argentina enjoyed more of the ball and went close to an opener through Di Maria, who forced a save from Bravo.

But moments later the game's only goal arrived, the Paris Saint-Germain star fouled by Fuenzalida as he tried to get on the end of a long pass from Javier Mascherano.Messi made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending Bravo the wrong way for his 58th international goal.The encounter settled for the rest of the half, but Argentina should have doubled their lead just before the break.

A Messi set-piece led to the ball falling for Otamendi, who somehow managed to blaze over from just yards out.Both teams struggled to create chances immediately after the interval, although Messi did shoot well over following a Di Maria cutback from the left in the 61st minute.

Chile came agonisingly close to an equaliser four minutes later, Sanchez curling a 20-yard free-kick over the wall and onto the crossbar with Romero beaten.Sanchez had another free-kick chance in the 78th minute – although Chile argued the foul was committed inside the area – but he put his effort well over.

The visitors were pushing for an equaliser and substitute Nicolas Castillo should have done better than shoot well wide from a Jean Beausejour cross as Argentina held on.

 

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Lukaku can become world's best striker - Martinez

Belgium boss and former Everton manager Roberto Martinez heaped praise on Romelu Lukaku by claiming he can become the best striker in the world.

Lukaku has flourished since he was lured to Everton by then-manager Martinez in a club-record deal in 2014, and tops the Premier League's goalscoring charts with 21 this season.

The 23-year-old Belgium international has refused to sign a new deal at Goodison Park amid interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.Martinez — who is back working with Lukaku in the national team — believes the sky is the limit for the ex-Chelsea striker.

"When you work with Rom, you understand he lives for the games. It's all about football in his life. He always wants to do more in training," Martinez told BBC's Football Focus."From a very young age, he had an incredible goalscoring threat. Any footballer that is special at the highest level, has to be outstanding at something.

"Rom is the goalscoring threat. From the age of 21 to 23, he has changed a lot. He wants to improve, he works on hold-up play and using his body. He has been working on his movement in the box."He's never lost the outstanding quality of scoring goals.

"At the age of 23, I always believed he had the possibility of becoming the best number nine in world football because he has absolutely everything."Lukaku will take to the field on Saturday when Group H leaders Belgium host second-placed Greece in Brussels.

 

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Mourinho: Ibrahimovic the super personality Man Utd needed

Jose Mourinho says signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic was important as his Manchester United team lacked the "super personalities" of previous generations.

United are trying to regain their place as regular Premier League contenders following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 and Mourinho was brought in alongside some high-profile signings.

The Red Devils have not lost in the league since October, but sit fifth in the table and Mourinho admits he has had to adapt to his new surroundings, adding that the team needed an injection of a certain profile.

"Manchester United no longer has the super personalities of the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes or Roy Keane," he told France Football. "There is Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, who are the last faces of this generation, and there is a new group of players that has to adapt.

"That's why it was important for me to get Zlatan. In this team he had, without being English, without knowing the culture of the club, the personality and the profile to be more."

The Portuguese manager also opened up about his coaching methods, stating it is important to create the right mentality in the dressing room and convince players to give their all for their boss.

"You have to adapt to the reality of the club, its needs and its demands," he added. "It is called being intelligent. The priority is to establish relations of peace and love in a group, to create stability.

"From a psychological point of view, the stronger empathy in a group, the more consistent the relationship between players, and the more you are ready. The "mind game", which involves trying to manipulate someone psychologically via the media, is a way to create a state of mind, but it is most effective when you have a team full of personalities ready to absorb this kind of speech.

"At Inter, I was like a fish in the water in this area. I had Marco Materazzi, Ivan Cordoba, Ibrahimovic, Diego Milito, Thiago Motta - guys who were willing to follow me everywhere . After that, it's another thing to work at a club where players do not have the same profile. So before you go in a different direction, you first need to understand the people you work with."

Mourinho has come a long way from his days as Bobby Robson's intepreter at Sporting, going on to achieve success at Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid before returning to Stamford Bridge to win another Premier League title.And the 54-year-old feels he has changed a lot in that time.

"Mourinho the man tries to be the opposite of what the manager is. He tries to be discreet, calm," he explained. "Find the way to disconnect. I can go home and not watch a football game, do not think football. I can do it. At the beginning of my career, I could not. I was constantly connected, 24 hours a day. I had to find a form of maturity.

"Today, I feel good with my personality as a man. I have matured, I am more peaceful. A victory no longer represents the moon, and a defeat means hell. And I believe I am able to transmit this serenity to those who work with me, to my players.

"I have the same ambitions as I used to have. The same involvement, the same professionalism. But I'm more in control of my emotions."

 

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Benzema and Mbappe partnership at Real Madrid is possible, says Perez

Florentino Perez has refused to rule out the prospect of Monaco star Kylian Mbappe playing for Real Madrid next season.

The 18-year-old is currently one of the hottest properties on the continent after a stunning season with Leonardo Jardim’s side.

Mbappe has scored 19 goals already this campaign to help his side to the top of Ligue 1 and into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where a tie with Borussia Dortmund awaits.

The forward has also been called up by France and is expected to make his international debut against Luxembourg or Spain.A host of top clubs, including Madrid, have been linked with a move for Mbappe and Perez was coy when asked about the prospect of luring him to the Bernabeu.

“A duo of Benzema and Mbappé?” he told Radio Montecarlo. “Everything is possible, but at this time of the season, I don't want to talk about that."

Perez also insisted that he is keen to keep hold of Karim Benzema despite the France international having endured a difficult season.Benzema has managed just eight Liga goals this season but Perez would be happy to keep him at the club for the rest of his career.

"Karim is a mix of Zidane and Ronaldo. He is the best No.9 in the world,” he added.“I am convinced that he will stay and while now we do not talk about renewals, if it was up to me, I would keep him here during his whole sporting life.

“I am very happy with Benzema and he has exemplary behaviour."Madrid went into the international break top of La Liga by two points from Barcelona and having played a game less than their rivals.

 

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Buffon: There won't be another 1000 games!

Gianluigi Buffon was on playful form before his 1000th senior appearance, saying that the only certainty for his future would be that he would not repeat the incredible feat.

Albania will provide the opposition for the Italy captain as he racks up four figures of senior games in Friday's World Cup qualifier.A world champion with the Azzurri in 2006, Buffon remains at the peak of his powers at the age of 39 and he is looking forward to a special occasion in Palermo.

"As far as I am concerned, tomorrow will be a huge honour," he told a news conference. "The only certainty that I can give is that there will not be another 1000 games!"

Buffon has previously stated that he intends to retire after the 2018 World Cup, but he would not be pressed on any changes to his plans, explaining: "I have to think about that and see what I feel in my heart."There may well be a celebratory atmosphere at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, but the Azzurri captain was quick to preach focus.

"There is a great respect and real fear for tomorrow's game," Buffon added. "That is not just rhetoric.

"Albania is a country that has enjoyed massive growth in the last two years and they showed what they can do at the Euros."

 

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Spain coach Lopetegui likes Diego Costa 'a little angry'

The message of Spain's Julen Lopetegui for Diego Costa is "we love you just the way you are" and the coach does not intend to curb his star forward's aggressive approach.

Costa's attitude has been questioned after a number of high-profile on-field clashes, but he has also been in fine form for Chelsea this season, scoring 17 times in the Premier League for Antonio Conte's frontrunners.And Lopetegui has told the 28-year-old not to change, as he loves Costa's competitive nature.

"If you are with us it is because we consider that your presence is important," the coach told the media and Costa ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Israel. "We love you just the way you are.

"He has many good things and many to improve. We want him a little angry. Not a lot, but a little, yes, because he expresses this in his football as always.
"We love that part of Diego and we look for it."

Lopetegui is also looking to secure Gerard Pique's international future — the Barcelona defender having announced his intention to retire after the next World Cup — but realises the focus at present must be on beating Israel on Friday.

"We respect what he said and that is it," Lopetegui added. "This week we have spoken, but we have other priorities like to prepare for this match."We want to play at the World Cup and the three points against Israel are a priority for us."

 

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Dele Alli is magnificent and fearless - Lallana

Adam Lallana says England team-mate Dele Alli has quickly become "a magnificent player for England", but says he must be given time to develop.

The midfielder has emerged as a star for Tottenham over the last two seasons and impressed for England in their friendly defeat to Germany.And Lallana is in awe of the 20-year-old and his mentality.“Del is a fantastic player,” he said. "He is already a magnificent player for England.

“He is special. I love the way he goes about his business: No fear. He’s brave.“But still people need to be patient with him. He is still a young boy and performing how he does is way above his years.“He is not even 21 yet. It is important that we don’t get carried away."

Alli has been criticised for being sent off in Tottenham's Europa League game against Gent, ending with Mauricio Pochettino's side crashing out. He has been booked five times in all competitions, but Lallana says he has no need to lose his tendency for winding opponents up.

“That’s what makes him Dele. All players have different attitudes that make them what they are and that’s why he is unique and a special talent.”“I think Dele Alli is one who is psychologically strong.“He’s young, but you can groom him into being England captain. He’s going to be a top player, and the armband might give him some responsibility.

“Dele is still growing up and learning the game, which is why he does the odd silly thing. Giving him the captaincy would help him grow up faster, and cut out a bit of the petulance.

“I don’t think he should be captain now – Gary Cahill is the obvious choice for the next World Cup – but one day I could see it really bringing the best out of him."

 

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FIFA World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2017.03.24

FIFA World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2017.03.24​

Georgia Vs Serbia​

Turkey Vs Finland​

Austria Vs Moldova​

Croatia Vs Ukraine​

Italy Vs Albania​

Kosovo Vs Iceland​

Liechtenstein Vs Macedonia​

Republic of Ireland Vs Wales​

Spain Vs Israel​

 

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Good Luck Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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Dele Alli banned for three matches for horror tackle in Europa League

Dele Alli has been banned for three matches by UEFA after his red card for a horror challenge in Tottenham's Europa League draw with Gent.The England midfielder was dismissed for a lunging tackle on Brecht Dejaegere during the first half of his side's last-32 clash with the Belgian outfit.

With the game level at 1-1 at the time, but Spurs behind on aggregate, Alli lost possession before planting his foot just below Dejaegere's knee, leaving referee Manuel de Sousa no choice but to send him off.

Mauricio Pochettino's side would go on to draw the game 2-2, meaning they were dumped out of the competition on by a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.

And UEFA have now announced the punishment that will be dished out to Dele, who will now miss three matches of Tottenham's next venture into European competition.

That, of course, looks almost certain to be the 2017-18 Champions League, with Tottenham well on course to finish in the top four where they're currently second place, two points ahead of Manchester City in third.

Spurs are on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions, with their last defeat having come in the away leg of their Europa League tie with Gent.The north London club face Burnley away on April 1, before another away trip to Swansea City as they look to keep pace with leaders Chelsea in the Premier League title race.

 

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Arsenal star Ozil misses training with back injury

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil missed Germany training on Friday after suffering a back injury.

The former Real Madrid star sat out the Gunners's final Premier League match before the international break with a hamstring problem that also ruled him out of Wednesday's friendly win over England.

And Ozil has now picked up another injury that could yet see him miss Die Mannschaft's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday.

The 28-year-old has travelled with the rest of the squad to Baku, though Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl has returned to his club.Weigl picked up a thigh injury in the win over England and was replaced in the second half by Emre Can.

 

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Injured Smalling pulls out of England squad

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been forced to pull out of the England squad for their World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.Smalling joins Phil Jones in having returned to Old Trafford after his team-mate picked up an injury that ruled him out of Wednesday's clash with Germany.

Fellow defender Gary Cahill will also miss the match through suspension, meaning Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson earns his first call-up to the national side.Gibson has previously made 10 appearances for the England Under-21s, most of which came under current Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

He joins Michael Keane and John Stones as the only centre-backs in the squad, meaning a debut is likely at Wembley on Sunday.Southgate operated with a three-man backline against Germany, though Eric Dier could be drafted into the defence if the Three Lions boss wants to keep Gibson on the bench.


England had been on a five-game unbeaten run since their humiliating Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland before Germany brought that sequence to an end with a 1-0 win in Dortmund.

 

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Get well soon Smalling!​

 

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Highly-rated Ajax starlet admits interest in joining Manchester United

Ajax youngster Daishawn Redan has hinted that a move to Manchester United could be made in the near future.

The 16-year-old forward has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford for some time, with the Red Devils having noted his obvious potential at a young age.An arrival in English football could be edging ever closer, with Redan opting against the penning of a contract in Amsterdam.

That snub has alerted United, Paris Saint-Germain and Red Bull Leipzig to his potential availability, with Redan admitting that the Premier League giants are an enticing proposition.He told Voetbal International: "I hear a lot of rumours around me and I will not deny that there are clubs that are interested.

“Manchester United is a very nice and good club of course and I must admit that I am interested in an adventure like that."

Said Ouaali, the head of Ajax’s youth academy, confirmed the contract snub on the club’s official website: "We have made a plan for him and had a lot of talks with Daishawn and his management. It's a shame that he will not sign his first contract here.

“We think that he has made a decision about another club."Redan told Goal during an exclusive interview in February that the interest being shown in him by the likes of United is inspiring him to bigger and better things.He said: "If you know a club like Man United is interested, that only gives you confidence and you will do everything you can to get better.”

 

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Carrick worth another year at Manchester United – Robson

Michael Carrick is worthy of a new contract to extend his stay at Manchester United into a 12th season, according to club legend Bryan Robson.

Carrick will turn 36 before the start of the 2017-18 campaign and will in June be honoured with a testimonial, having moved to Old Trafford from Tottenham in 2006.

But Robson, who won two Premier League titles with United, believes Carrick would still have plenty to offer Jose Mourinho's side if he is afforded an extended stay."Michael's 35 – for me, the way he's played this season and the influence he's had on the team has been pretty good," Robson told Omnisport.

"I'm not bothered about the age, it's about the desire of a player and how he looks after himself."So for me I think Michael deserves maybe another year and I can see Man United doing that."Carrick, who has started 12 league games this season, said this month that he would consider retiring if he is not offered fresh terms.

 

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Buffon breaks European cap record in 1000th match

Gianluigi Buffon has become the most capped European footballer of all time after making his 168th Italy appearance against Albania.

The Juventus goalkeeper surpasses fellow 'keeper Iker Casillas and Latvia midfielder Vitalijs Astafjevs, who both have 167 caps to their name.

He is also now joint-fifth on the overall list alongside former Ecuador defender Ivan Hurtado, though he still has some way to go to surpass world-record holder Ahmed Hassan of Egypt on 184 caps.

Buffon has now also played 1000 matches as a professional when his international outings are added onto his club appearances for Parma and Juventus.

The 39-year-old made his debut for the Azzurri as a 19-year-old against Russia in October 1997, and has gone onto represent his country at eight international tournaments, including winning the 2006 World Cup.

He surpassed Fabio Cannavaro as Italy's record cap holder in 2013 when making his 137th appearance, and the veteran has vowed to continue his international career through to the 2018 World Cup.If selected, the Juventus captain will be 40 by the time the tournament in Russia comes around, with many predicting the competition will prove to be his swansong.

 

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Congratzzzzzzz Buffon!

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Spain 4 Israel 1: Silva, Vitolo, Costa and Isco secure straightforward win for Lopetegui

Spain had little difficulty maintaining their unbeaten start to World Cup qualifying in Group G as they cruised to a 4-1 win over Israel in Gijon thanks to goals from David Silva, Vitolo, Diego Costa and Isco.

Julen Lopetegui's men did not have it all their own way and Israel did pose an attacking threat on occasion on Friday, but in the end Spain simply had too much for the visitors and recorded a comfortable win to remain top of the group on 13 points.

Thiago Alcantara's early effort which was kept out by the crossbar served as a warning to Israel, but it did not take Spain much longer to make their mark – Silva scoring his 29th international goal to move level with Fernando Hierro as their fourth-highest scorer.

Although Spain controlled much of the second half, they had to rely on the heroics of David De Gea to keep the lead in the 43rd minute, with Vitolo then grabbing the hosts' second just a few moments later to continue his strong goal-scoring start to the campaign.

Spain appeared rather more focused after the interval and looked bent on blowing Israel away, as Diego Costa headed in their third goal and Silva went desperately close to adding a fourth when hitting the post.

Lior Refaelov hammered in for Israel with a little over 15 minutes left, but there never looked to be any danger of Spain being made to rue that Silva chance and they wrapped things up with a fourth courtesy of Isco late on.

Proceedings got off to a breathless start at El Molinon, with both sides showing plenty of attacking intent, though Spain unsurprisingly went close first.Thiago found space 25 yards from goal and produced a ferocious effort which came back off the crossbar, with Vitolo then heading the rebound over.

Israel did not get so lucky in the 13th minute, though. Jordi Alba passed through Elazar Dasa's legs to Silva, who drilled a left-footed effort under goalkeeper Ofir Marciano.

Spain allowed the tempo to drop and they were almost punished for that just before the break, as De Gea brilliantly kept out Refaelov's header to spare the hosts.

That proved to be the wake-up call Spain needed and on the stroke of half-time they doubled their lead.Thiago fed Vitolo into the right side of the area and his shot squirmed under the right hand of Marciano before trickling over the line.

Costa missed a glorious chance to give Spain a three-goal lead just after the restart, heading Dani Carvajal's pinpoint cross wide despite being unchallenged.But he made no mistake in the 51st minute, nodding Thiago's corner in from close range.

A fluid move almost brought another goal just before the hour mark, but Silva slammed an emphatic half-volley on to the upright after Costa cleverly knocked down a Carvajal cross into his path.

Israel pulled one back through Refaelov's powerful strike 14 minutes from the end, but it was nothing more than a consolation as Isco - a second-half substitute for Andres Iniesta - finished them off on the break right at the end, coolly finding the bottom-left corner from just inside the area.