DHAKA: Spain cruised to a 3-0 win over Albania on Friday (October 6), to secure qualification for the World Cup and put Italy on a path for the playoffs, reports ESPN.

The win allowed Spain to move five points clear in Group G above Italy, who are now assured of finishing second, while Albania's slim hopes were extinguished.

Spain's breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Rodrigo took Isco's pass into the box off his chest, then scored his first international goal on the half-volley.

Isco got a goal himself in the 23rd minute by receiving Koke's pass and spinning with one touch before shooting into the roof of the net, and four minutes later Thiago -- Rodrigo's cousin -- also scored his first goal for Spain by heading in debutant Alvaro Odriozola's cross.

Italy will finish in second place in Group G after being pegged back to a shock 1-1 draw with Macedonia.

Italy were largely frustrated in the first half but the pressure told in the 40th minute as Macedonia struggled to clear their lines and Lorenzo Insigne played a through ball into Ciro Immobile, who unselfishly set up Giorgio Chiellini to score.

However, Italy will advance to the two-legged UEFA playoffs in November as long as they are among the top eight of the nine group runners-up.

BDST: 1229 HRS, OCT 7, 2017
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