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Spain vs Israel. FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Group G.

El MolinonAttendance20,321.

Spain 4

  • D Silva (13th minute)
  • Vitolo (46th minute)
  • D Costa (51st minute)
  • Isco (88th minute)

Israel 1

  • L Refaelov (76th minute)

Spain 4-1 Israel: Diego Costa strikes as hosts stroll to victory to stay top of Group G

Diego Costa goal celeb, Spain v Israel, World Cup qualifying in Gijon
Image: Diego Costa (centre) celebrates scoring in the 4-1 win over Israel

Diego Costa was among the scorers as Spain strolled to a 4-1 win at home to Israel in a World Cup Qualifier on Friday to stay top of their group.

Manchester City playmaker David Silva put Spain ahead in the 15th minute with a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ofir Marciano while Vitolo doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time just after Israel had squandered a chance to level.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa scored a fourth international goal in four games to put Spain 3-0 up early in the second half with a header from a corner although Israel striker Lior Rafaelov made amends for an earlier miss by pulling one back in the 76th minute.

David Silva of Spain celebrates with his teammate Jordi Alba
Image: David Silva (right) celebrates with Jordi Alba

Isco then restored Spain's three-goal advantage in the 88th minute, rolling the ball into the near corner to complete a sweeping counter began by a burst forward from Costa from the halfway line.

Spain top Group G with 13 points from five games, ahead of Italy on goal difference. Israel are third on nine points and Albania are fourth on six.

The eventual winners will qualify directly for the 2018 World Cup in Russia while the second placed side will enter a two-leg play-off.

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