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

England edge to win over Estonia

England laboured to victory over Estonia in Tallinn as Wayne Rooney's late free-kick made it three wins out of three in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

Rooney curled his shot in from just outside the area 17 minutes from the end of a mediocre encounter to give England's captain his 43rd goal for his country - six behind all-time record holder Sir Bobby Charlton.

It rescued England as they struggled to break down the stubborn Estonians, who stood firm even after captain Ragnar Klavan had been sent off for a second yellow card three minutes into the second half.

And it spared manager Roy Hodgson some awkward questions over the omission of Raheem Sterling after Liverpool's teenager admitted he was tired following the 5-0 win against San Marino at Wembley.

England monopolised possession but the lack of end product was alarming against opponents who were dogged but hardly an upgrade into the European elite after the stroll against San Marino on Thursday.

Rooney's winner, a rare touch of class, also lifted his own performance after the 28-year-old struggled to apply his usual high standards. Indeed he was in danger of being replaced by Rickie Lambert just before his decisive contribution.

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Posted By Blogger to SOCCER 24H on 10/13/2014 02:47:00 pm

Suarez returns after bite ban

Luis Suarez set up Uruguay's goal in the 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, as he made his first appearance for the country since his ban for biting.

The Barcelona forward's strike came off the post before it was diverted into his own net by Hassan Muath Fallatah.

The 27-year-old was initially banned for four months and nine international matches, for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

That was changed to nine competitive internationals on appeal.

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Posted By Blogger to SOCCER 24H on 10/11/2014 02:53:00 pm

Chiellini scores all three in 2-1 Italy win

Defender Giorgio Chiellini scored all three goals as Italy beat Azerbaijan 2-1 for a second straight win in Euro 2016 qualifying Group H.

Chiellini headed in the opener from Andrea Pirlo's cross but then deflected a Dimitrij Nazarov corner into his net.

The Juventus centre-back made amends in the 82nd minute, heading in at the near post to secure a victory that puts the Azzurri top of the standings.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands came from behind to beat 10-manKazakhstan 3-1.

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Posted By Blogger to SOCCER 24H on 10/11/2014 02:54:00 pm