Diego Costa and David Silva net as Spain cruise past Israel

Diego Costa and David Silva scored as Spain extended their imperious home run with a 4-1 victory over Israel in Group G.

Julen Lopetegui's side hadn’t been beaten at home in a World Cup qualifier since competing in their first tie in 1934 and cruised to another victory in Gijon to cement their place at the top of the group.

Silva broke the deadlock in typical fashion as the Manchester City playmaker Silva capped a fine team move with his 29th international goal. Yet Spain weren’t entirely convincing in the first half.

The visitors twice went close to grabbing a shock equaliser with Eran Zahavi sending shot inches wide, and David De Gea pulled off a brilliant save to deny Lior Refaelov before a goalkeeping error allowed Vitolo to double the hosts’ advantage.

Diego Costa put the game beyond doubt with his fifth international goal after the restart before Lior Rafaelov scored a consolation for Israel with 15 minutes remaining.

Spain had the final say though with substitute Isco completing the scoring as Spain claimed their fourth victory of the campaign. They lead the group on 13 points, ahead of Italy on goal difference, while Israel remain third.

You could have been forgiven for believing Diego Costa’s inferior twin brother had showed up in the first half as the Chelsea frontman struggled to get into the game, but the 28-year-old improved and he’ll be relieved to have got his name on the score-sheet after squandering an obvious opportunity moments previously.

The Brazilian-born striker has a lot to prove at international level, but his showing after the interval may just give him the confidence he needs to unlock his full potential.

David Silva (Spain): The Manchester City playmaker has enjoyed a wonderful season for his club, and he was almost faultless here as Spain turned on the style.

Spain: De Gea 7, Pique 7, Ramos 7, Alba 8, Carvajal 8, Busquets 6, Iniesta 7, Thiago 7, Vitolo 7, Diego Costa 7, Silva 8. Subs: Koke 6, Isco 7, Aspas 6.

Israel: Marciano 4, Dasa 5, Gershon 5, Tzedek 5, Tibi 5, Natcho 5, Cohen 5, Refaelov 7, Ben Haim 6, Einbinder 5, Zahavi 6. Subs: Tawatha 6, Keltjens 5, Hemed 5.

5’ - CROSSBAR! A spectacular strike from Thiago smashes off the woodwork! It was struck really sweetly from 25 yards and the goalkeeper was well beaten.

13’ - GOAL! Spain's relentless pressure pays off as Silva puts the hosts ahead to cap a fine team goal. Alba nutmegs the defender with a through ball and the Man City man runs onto it, before sliding the ball past the goalkeeper with a left-footed shot.

24’ - JUST WIDE! A rare opportunity for the visitors as space opens up for Zahavi to have a shot from 20 yards but his effort is always curling wide. It wasn't far away though.

43’ - CHANCE! De Gea makes a good stop to deny Israel a shock equaliser! Refaelov gets across his marker to direct a header at goal but the Man United goalkeeper does brilliantly to parry the ball out for a corner.

45’ - GOAL! Spain double their advantage with a rather fortunate goal and it has to go down as a goalkeeping error. Vitolo strikes a rather feeble effort at goal but it trickles through the arms of Marciano and agonisingly over the line.

47’ - HOW HAS HE MISSED? Costa somehow heads wide from six yards out from Carvajal's cross and that is an absolute sitter. The Chelsea man is not having a good time out there.

51’ - GOAL! Costa makes amends for that earlier miss as he heads in Spain's third from a corner. Dreadful defending and even worse goalkeeping but the Chelsea frontman won't care one bit.

76’ - GOAL! Israel have a lifeline! Gershon's header smashes against the post and Rafaelov hammers the loose ball into the roof of the net.

88’ - GOAL! Substitute Isco restores Spain's three-goal advantage with a well-taken goal as he sends the goalkeeper the wrong way with a clever finish.

No player has scored more goals for Spanish national team than David Silva in this World Cup Qualifiers.

David Silva scored his 29th international goal, moving to joint fourth in Spain’s all-time scorers list (level with Fernando Hierro).