Vicente Del Bosque celebrated his 100th game in charge of Spain with a vital victory as David Silva’s goal on the stroke of half-time secured a 1-0 win over Belarus in Borisov.
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It was no more than Spain deserved after a commanding performance, and the winning margin should really have been bigger with several chances for more goals squandered.
The game’s pattern was set immediately as Del Bosque’s side had their first sight of goal after less than two minutes when Pedro’s stabbed effort was easily saved, and Spain then won two corners in quick succession to underline their early dominance.
Juventus striker Alvaro Morata came close and home keeper Andrey Gorbunov made saves to deny Pedro and Sergio Ramos, before Silva steered a shot narrowly wide after a chipped pass from Jordi Alba.
Belarus were offering no attacking threat, with much of the action taking place around the edge of the home team’s penalty area as Spain continued to press.
Alba sent a fierce volley over the top and Cesc Fabregas fired too close to Gorbunov, but just when it seemed Belarus would reach the interval with the deadlock intact, Silva pounced for what would be the game-deciding opener.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice just before half-time as Sweden defeated Montenegro 3-1 in their Euro 2016 qualifying Group G clash at the Friends Arena in Solna.
Following Russia’s 1-0 defeat to leaders Austria earlier yesterday thanks to Marc Janko’s spectacular overhead effort, the Swedes took full advantage to open up a four-point gap over third place.
Meanwhile, Slovakia remained three points clear of Spain at the top of Group C as first-half goals from Kornel Salata and Marek Hamsik secured a 2-1 victory over Macedonia. Ukraine kept up the pressure with a 3-0 victory against Luxembourg.
Moldova drew 1-1 with Liechtenstein in Group G, Estonia beat San Marino 2-0 and Switzerland beat Lithuania 2-1 in Group E.