Madrid, Nov 16, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Spain closed in on World Cup qualification from Group E, with a 4-0 win over Georgia in Tbilisi on Saturday, as Luis de la Fuente’s side set a new national record of 30 matches unbeaten.
Mikel Oyarzabal set the European champions on their way, when he slotted home a penalty after 11 minutes, with Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi soon doubling the lead and Ferran Torres adding a third before half-time.
Oyarzabal, on his 50th Spain appearance, scored another just after the hour to leave Spain three points clear of Turkey, who beat Bulgaria, with the two teams meeting in their final qualifier in Seville on Tuesday. The Spanish have a much superior goal difference.
Spain were already without Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, and Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was not included in the match squad as a precaution, after feeling discomfort in his groin during training on Friday.
The European champions, though, soon settled to quieten the home crowd, after being awarded an early penalty.
Torres saw his shot from Alex Baena’s cutback blocked by Giorgi Gocholeishvili, and Spain appealed for handball, which was not initially given, but the referee was advised by VAR to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, and then did point to the spot.
Oyarzabal made no mistake, slotting the penalty past Liverpool keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Spain remained on the offensive, with Baena seeing his shot from the edge of the box hit a post.
It was 2-0 in the 22nd minute when Fabian Ruiz found Zubimendi, who lofted a deft finish over Mamardashvili.
Spain scored a third 10 minutes before half-time as Baena played in Oyarzabal, after another sweeping move and he crossed for Torres to convert from close range.
In first-half stoppage time, Mamardashvili made a fine reaction save with his leg from Oyarzabal’s volley.
Georgia looked to regroup for the second half, with Iuri Tabatadze’s header drifting just wide before Anzor Mekvabishvili tested Spain keeper Unai Simon with a long-range, swerving shot on the hour.
Spain further extended their lead in the 64th minute, when Torres lofted over a cross, and Real Sociedad forward Oyarzabal, headed the ball into the far corner off the inside of a post.
Mamardashvili came out to save from Spain substitute Borja Iglesias, before Simon denied Georgia a late consolation, by keeping out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s near-post effort, following a swift counter and Marcos Llorente’s attempted clearance in his own box, then also came back off an upright.
GNA