Silva goal sees Spain edge Belarus

A solitary David Silva goal proved sufficient for Spain to edge out a determined Belarus 1-0 and stay in touch with Slovakia at the top of Group C.

Sliva pounced on a goalkeeping error from Andrei Gorbunov to fire Spain in front on the cusp of half time. Gorbunov, who had earlier saved well from Pedro, got nowhere near Cesc Fabregas’ free kick and Silva controlled well before firing home.

The visitors continued to dominate in terms of possession and chances and could have won by a larger margin but for the efforts of an inspired Belarus keeper.

But the victory keeps them three points behind Group C leaders Slovakia, who beat Macedonia 2-1.

3’ – CHANCE SPAIN: Pedro is in on goal but keeper Gorbunov is out quickly to block his shot.

9’ – MORATA CHANCE: A great ball from Fabregas and he ghosts in behind Filipenko but shoots wide of the far post.

45’ – GOAL! Belarus 0-1 Spain: Gorbunov flaps at Fabregas’ free kick and gets nowhere near the ball. It falls straight to Silva, who controls well before slamming home.

50’ – CHANCE BELARUS: A great little ball from Hleb finds Kornilenko but he flails wildly at his chance and Casillas blocks his scuffed shot with his legs.

54’ – GOOD SAVE GORBUNOV: Another chance for Spain goes begging as Morata sees his shot saved.

73’ – CAZORLA CLOSE: It’s Gorbunov to the rescue again as he saves Cazorla’s fierce drive.

85’ – GREAT SAVE GORBUNOV: The keeper again called into action with a fabulous reaction save to deny Silva a second.

Spain have now won all four of their previous matches against Belarus, including a 4-0 away victory and a 2-1 home win in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Pedro lucky to stay on? It certainly appeared so when replays showed the striker to catch Shitov in the face with a flailing arm.

Andrei Gorbunov (Belarus). At least half a dozen world class saves from the Belarus keeper kept the score respectable and his team in the match.

Belarus: Gorbunov 8, Martynovich 6, Shitov 6, Bordachev 6, Filipenko 7, Hleb 6, Volodko 6, Kislyak 6, Nekhaychik 6, Maevski 6, Kornilenko 7. SUBS: Dragun 6, Stasevich 6, Putilo 6.

Spain: Casillas 6, Pique 6, Ramos 6, Juanfran 6, Jordi Alba 6, Busquets 7, Fabregas 6, Cazorla 6, Silva 8, Morata 7, Pedro 6. SUBS: Bernat 6, Vitolo 6, Isco 6.