Rodrigo and Alcacer braces give Spain comfortable win
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ByEurosport
Updated 08/09/2019 at 21:16 GMT
Two goals from Rodrigo and a passable performance overall gave Spain a comfortable victory over the Faroe Islands. Thanks to Sweden's home draw with Norway, they now lead Group F by seven points are an absolute certainty to make next summer's finals.
Spain
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Spain dominated the game from start to finish and took the lead on 13 minutes when Dani Parejo won the ball just outside the Faroes box. He poked through to Mikel Oyarzabal, whose selfless square pass gave Rodrigo a tap-in.
But Spain took until the 50th minute to extend their lead, Rodrigo taking a pass from Thiago Alcantara, moving into the box, and punching a shot which deflected off Heini Vantsdal and in.
Though Spain maintained pressure, it was not until the dying stages that their superiority was reflected in goals, Paco Alcacer pranging home from close range on 90 minutes and glancing home an expert's header shortly afterwards.
TALKING POINT
Are Spain any good? Though the likes of Saul, Sergio Busquets and Dani Ceballos were omitted, Spain remain short of elite-level talent, never mind players. Of course, they are still pretty good, but the best players in the world are no l;onger Spanish and it is hard to see them beating Europe's better sides next summer.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Thiago Alcantara (Spain) Ran the show in midfield, finding lovely angles with his passing and joining the attack to good effect.
PLAYER RATINGS
Spain: De Gea 6, Carvajal 6, Hermoso 6, Ramos 6, Gaya 6, Rodri 7, Thiago 7, Parejo 6, Suso 6, Rodrigo 7, Oyarzabal 6. Subs: Alcacer 7, Sarabia 6, Nunez 6.
Faroe Islands: Nielsen 6, Vantsdal 5, Gregersen 6, Balvindsson 5, Vatnhamar 6, Hendriksson 6, Hansson 6, Davidsen 6, Edmundsson 6, Olsen 5, Bjartalid 6. Subs: Eriksen 6, Bartalsstovu 6, Egilsson 6.
KEY STAT
Sergio Ramos has now played 167 times for Spain, equalling the record previously held by Iker Casillas.
KEY MOMENTS
13' - GOAL! Spain 1-0 Faroe Islands 0 (Rodrigo) This was so easy. From on the ground, just outside the box, Parejo poked a ball into it as Gregersen tried to bundle clear, and Oyarzabal tapped square for Rodrigo to tap home. I think Spain might just shade this one.
50' - GOAL! Spain 2-0 Faroe Islands (Rodrigo) Rodrigo stretches down the left, eases int the box, shifts it to make an angle, and shoots hard with the inside of his left-foot seeking the far corner ... his shot's not far off, but a flick off Vantsdal makes sure.
90' - GOAL! Spain 3-0 Faroe Islands (Alcacer) Carvajal moves down the right and finds Thiago, who drives into the box and squares for Alcacer to stretch into the net.
90+2' - GOAL! Spain 4-0 Faroe Islands (Alcacer) Rodri spreads to Gaya, whose cross is deftly headed home at the near post by Alcacer, with the Faroes' defence all over the place.
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