Spain 8-0 Liechtenstein

Spain ran Liechtenstein ragged as they began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a thumping 8-0 win in Leon. Seven of their goals came in a devastating second-half display as Liechtenstein crumbled after frustrating their hosts early on.

Diego Costa, David Silva and Alvaro Morata all scored twice while Sergi Roberto and Vitolo also got on the scoresheet in the Group G opener.

It made for a perfect first competitive game for new coach Julen Lopetegui, who would actually have been concerned at his side’s lack of cutting edge at half-time.
Spain started well, with Koke curling an inviting free-kick into the area and Costa rising superbly to head home from six yards.
But, surprisingly, that proved one of few fluid moves the hosts produced before the break.

It was not until the 40th minute Lopetegui’s men threatened a second as Koke’s scuffed shot was cleared off the line by Franz Burgemeier. Vitolo should have headed in the rebound but failed to make firm contact and Sergio Busquets then shot against Vitolo in the ensuing goalmouth scramble.

Liechtenstein escaped again when Costa headed another chance wide but it became only a matter of time as Spain upped the tempo after half-time.
Silva should have scored after going through on goal but he allowed keeper Peter Jehle too much time to save before Koke hit the post from a free-kick.

The second finally came after 54 minutes as Nolito turned and slipped in Roberto with a clever pass and the latter’s first-time toe-poke beat Jehle.
Liechtenstein then began to fall apart as three more goals followed in little more than 10 minutes.