Friday 06 October 2017, 21:48

Spain secure Russia 2018 berth

  • Spain secure qualification to next year’s World Cup 

  • Italy’s draw against FYR Macedonia gives top spot to La Roja 

  • Ten teams outside the hosts have now booked Russia 2018 berths

Spain have become the latest team to book their place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. La Roja’s 3-0 victory against Albania, combined with Italy’s failure to beat FYR Macedonia, saw the 2010 World Cup winners clinch Group G’s top spot.

Rodrigo bagged the opener on 16 minutes, before goals from Isco and Thiago Alcantara saw La Roja go into the break in Alicante with a three-goal lead. Meanwhile, in Turin, Giorgio Chiellini’s first-half opener was cancelled out by FYR Macedonia’s Aleksandar Trajkovski, meaning the Azzurri had to settle for second in Group G.

Spain become the tenth side to book their Russia 2018 ticket, following on from Germany and England, who secured their World Cup spots on Thursday after topping Group C and Group F, respectively. The victory over Albania also meant La Roja, who last tasted defeat in World Cup qualifying in 1993, took their unbeaten streak to a staggering 62 games.

Russia 2018 will mark Spain’s 15th World Cup appearance. They join hosts Russia, along with Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, England and Germany, all of whom were already assured of their spots before today.