Spain bounce back with win in Luxembourg

European champions Spain responded to their shock defeat by Slovakia with a comfortable win in Luxembourg.

Despite wasting chances in the first half, Spain led through David Silva's clinical finish to the top corner and Paco Alcacer's first-time drill home.

Diego Costa had been most at fault, but scored his first international goal from close range in the second half.

Juan Bernat rolled home to wrap it up for Spain, who left goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas on the bench.

Casillas, who made an error in Thursday's 2-1 defeat by Slovakia, was replaced by Manchester United's David De Gea.

Group C leaders Slovakia drew 1-1 with Belarus, and Spain go second, one point behind them and ahead of Ukraine, 1-0 winners over Macedonia, on goal difference.

Austria took charge of Group G with a 1-0 win in Montenegro, taking advantage as Russia were held 1-1 at home by Moldova.

In the same group, Sweden, with the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench, beat Liechtenstein 2-0 for their first victory of the campaign.

In England's Group E, a 2-0 win for Slovenia in Lithuania moved them level with their opponents on six points, three behind Roy Hodgson's men.

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Posted By Blogger to SOCCER 24H on 10/13/2014 02:48:00 pm