Spain's 4-0 win, their 93rd home victory in a qualifying campaign, set a new all-time record; eclipsed the mark for all European and World Cup qualifiers set by Russia (including the Soviet Union) with relative ease
Spain's Vitolo celebrates a goal on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Spain's Vitolo celebrates a goal on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Madrid: Spain's 4-0 win over Macedonia, their 93rd home victory in a qualifying campaign, set a new all-time record. Julen Lopetegui's side eclipsed the mark for all European and World Cup qualifiers set by Russia (including the Soviet Union) with relative ease, even if it did require a couple of late goals to boost the scoreline.
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An own goal from Darko Velkovski gave Spain a half-time lead and after Vitolo doubled their advantage just past the hour Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal and Aritz Aduriz scored in the final six minutes.
The inexperienced FK Vardar defender Velkovski quickly learned about the fine margins at this level as he should have given his side an early lead only to put through his own net before half-time to give their hosts the breakthrough.
Macedonia had never beaten Spain in five previous meetings, having conceded 14 goals, so keeping a clean sheet was imperative. However, the 21-year-old Velkovski, with less than 10 caps to his name, could have made a name for himself in just the 11th minute but planted his far-post header straight at goalkeeper David de Gea.
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