Defending champions Spain took a huge step towards securing their place

at the European Championship in France next year with a 2-0 win over Slovakia to move top of

qualifying Group C.

Jordi Alba settled the hosts' nerves in Oviedo after just five minutes when he headed in David

Silva's cross before Andres Iniesta added a second from the penalty spot on the half-hour

mark.

Spain and Slovakia are now tied on 18 points at the top of the table, three points ahead of

Ukraine, with three games to go.

"We needed to win to put ourselves in a good situation. It's job done and now we need to think

about the next match," Iniesta told Television Espanola.

"We played quite a complete game. It is not easy to attack all the time and they had a few

dangerous counter-attacks, but I think the fans enjoyed the team's performance and that is

important."

Slovakia were the only side in international football to have won all of their previous nine

matches and nearly got off to a dream start as Robert Mak pounced on an error from Sergio

Ramos, but pulled his shot wide of the far post.

However, within a minute Spain were in front as Silva's inviting cross left Slovakia 'keeper

Matus Kozacik in no man's land and Alba headed home.
Spain were enjoying the vast majority of possession, but didn't create another clear-cut

opportunity until Kozacik was harshly adjudged to have brought down Diego Costa as he burst

clear on goal and Iniesta converted from the spot.

Iker Casillas had been prefered in goal to David de Gea once more with the latter yet to play

a minute of competitive action this season with Manchester United, and he was forced into

action by Marek Hamsik with a low drive just before the break.

Casillas made another fine stop at the start of the second half to prevent Michal Duris

bringing the visitors back into the game.

Silva passed up a host of chances to seal a fine individual display with a goal as Tomas

Hubocan made an excellent defensive block before the Manchester City playmaker failed to turn

Costa's acrobatic overhead kick on target from point-blank range.

Paco Alcacer replaced Costa with 15 minutes to go as the Chelsea man's frustration in front of

goal in a Spain shirt continued.

And Alcacer made an instant impact as he teed up Silva, but again he failed to convert when

one-on-one with Kozacik.

Both sides are in action again on Tuesday as Spain travel to Macedonia, while Slovakia can

seal their place in France with victory at home to Ukraine.
Source: AFP