Spain have booked their spot at the 2018 World Cup courtesy of a 3-0 win over Albania in their penultimate Group G clash on Friday night.
La Roja entered the match three points clear of second-placed Italy, and with the Azzurri being held to a 1-1 draw by Macedonia, Julen Lopetegui's side have secured their position in the finals with one match to spare.
Spain will travel to Israel on Monday for their final Group G clash as Italy, who are almost certain of a spot in the playoffs, finish away to Albania on the same night.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live 2018 World Cup qualification coverage continues from Alicante as Spain welcome Albania in Group G. A victory for Spain tonight would all but book their spot in the finals of next summer's tournament in Russia, but a defeat would open the door for second-placed Italy, who hose Macedonia tonight, to pounce. Stay tuned for what should be an entertaining affair!
Tonight will be the seventh international meeting between these two teams, and it will not be a surprise to learn that Spain have won the previous six. Indeed, La Roja recorded a 2-0 victory in the reverse match last October courtesy of goals from Diego Costa and Nolito. Neither of those two will turn out for the home side tonight, but there are a few dangers for Albania to worry about!
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Alicante. Any surprises in the Spain XI tonight? What about Albania – any familiar faces? Let's have a look...
TEAMS!
SPAIN: De Gea; Odriozola, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Saul, Koke, Thiago; Silva, Rodrigo, Isco
ALBANIA: Berisha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Veseli, Balliu; Memushaj, Xhaka, Kace; Grezda, Llullaku, Memolla
The big team news in the Spain camp is that there is an international debut for Real Sociedad defender Alvaro Odriozola, who benefits from Dani Carvajal's absence. Valencia's Rodrigo, meanwhile, is handed a forward position alongside Isco and David Silva due to Alvaro Morata's unavailability. Saul Niguez and Koke form part of a three-man midfield alongside Thiago Alcantara, while it is Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos at centre-back. A very technical Spain team tonight.
As for Albania, Taulant Xhaka – the elder brother of Arsenal's Granit Xhaka – starts for the visitors, while there is also a spot for Tobol forward Azdren Llullaku, who wins just his sixth cap. Not quite Romelu Lukaku, but the names are quite similar. Highly-rated Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj is also included in the Albania XI, while Eros Grezda will win just his fourth cap in a wide position.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Alicante. I shall speak about the away side a little bit later, but let's start with Spain, who know that a win tonight would all but book their spot at the 2018 World Cup.
Mathematically, Spain would not be a certain of a place at next summer's tournament if second-placed Italy beat Macedonia tonight. However, La Roja would have such a superior goal difference that Italy would need a sensational turnaround on the final matchday to top the section. So to save all that grief – because it will not happen – a win for Spain is enough for them to qualify tonight.
Indeed, Spain have won seven and drawn one of their eight Group G matches to top the section on 22 points. They have scored 32 times, and conceded just three. Second-placed Italy have 19 points from their eight matches, while Albania are down in third on 13 points. Unless something incredible happens over the next three days, the current top three are set to stay in that order.
Spain opened their qualification campaign with an 8-0 home win over Liechtenstein, before drawing 1-1 away to Italy last October. La Roja have won all six of their matches since then – beating Albania away, Macedonia twice, Israel, Italy and Liechtenstein. Indeed, a 3-0 home win over Italy at the start of last month was without question their most important result in this section.
Spain will finish their Group G campaign away to Israel on Monday night, but it will be purely academic if they win tonight. That said, a defeat tonight would leave them vulnerable to the second-placed Italians. It could happen, but it is difficult to imagine Julen Lopetegui's side throwing away such a strong position at this stage of the qualification campaign.
Four years on from being eliminated in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, Spain will enter next summer's tournament as one of the favourites to triumph. Talk of a decline was extremely premature, and they have been one of the most impressive teams in qualification once again. A squad packed full of talent, Spain will be among the sides to beat in Russia.
Albania, meanwhile, made their debut at a major football tournament last year when they competed at Euro 2016. The Red and Blacks are certainly moving in the right direction, but will not be present at the 2018 World Cup. It was always going to be a tough ask for finish above Spain and Italy, although there have been plenty of positives signs moving forward, that is for sure.
Albania opened their Group G campaign with back-to-back wins over Macedonia and Liechtenstein, but then lost three straight matches against Spain, Israel and Italy, which all but ended their hopes. They will enter tonight's match off the back of a three-game unbeaten run, however, having beaten both Israel and Liechtenstein, and drawn with Macedonia in their last three fixtures.
Christian Panucci's side cannot qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but they will have a major say in who tops this group. Indeed, after facing Spain here, they will host Italy on Monday night. Albania boss Panucci represented the Italian national team on 57 occasions between 1994 and 2008, and will be looking to help his country out tonight. Right, kickoff is almost upon us here.
KICKOFF! Spain get things underway on home soil...
... it must be said that there is a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. This ground is the home of Hercules and while it is not the biggest, the supporters have turned out in their numbers. It is quite a small pitch, which should suit Spain. Let's hope for an entertaining game of football here.
It has been a pretty good start from Albania, who have already had the chance to venture forward on a couple of occasions. The visitors are pressing Spain high up the field, which is making it difficult for the hosts to create space in these early moments. Nice tempo to this game.
Spain make ground down the right as Odriozola is given space to attack, but Memolla is across to make the challenge. We are still waiting for the first chance of the match, although Spain are seeing much more of the ball in dangerous positions. The supporters are absolutely loving life at the moment.
Half-chance for Spain as Alba delivers a dangerous cross into Rodrigo, but the Valencia forward cannot find the back of the net. First real sign of danger to Albania's defensive unit there.
Important defending from Balliu as the Albania number 13 clears ahead of Alba, before Thiago has a strike blocked just outside the Albania box. Spain are really forcing the issue at the moment.
De Gea has to drop down to keep out Grezda's effort as Albania register their first shot on target.
Albania are finding it difficult to get out of their own half at the moment as Spain continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Pique and Ramos are holding really high positions, meanwhile, which is making it very tough for the visitors. Albania are defending their lines here.
CHANCE! Stunning chance for Spain to take the lead as Isco finds the head of Rodrigo with a super cross, but the Valencia forward somehow heads wide! How did he miss!
BOOKING! Llullaku (Albania) is booked for a foul on Pique.
You sense that this gameplan for Albania is fine while the score remains 0-0, but everything would change if Spain took the lead. The hosts really should be ahead after that golden chance for Rodrigo, but he somehow headed wide. Still all Spain in terms of possession and attacking intent.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Albania (Rodrigo)
Spain make the breakthrough in the 16th minute as Rodrigo controls an Isco pass with his chest before finding the far corner with a super finish. It is a wonderful hit from the forward!
Spain look capable of scoring five or six tonight as they continue to boss this match. Ramos brings a super save from Berisha after meeting a free kick from Koke, but the flag was actually raised.
Silva just misses the near post after working some space inside the Albania box. The visitors just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Spain continue to pass and probe. Saul, Koke, Isco and Silva are all changing possessions here, which is wonderful to see.
Italy are still level at 0-0 with Macedonia in tonight's other key Group G clash, which means that as it stands, Spain are booking their spot in next summer's World Cup. In truth, that will be the case even if Italy win. It would take some collapse from Spain not to top the section from this position.
GOAL! Spain 2-0 Albania (Isco)
Oh my word! Spain double their lead in the 23rd minute as Isco collects a cute pass from Koke before drilling the ball into the roof of the net! Another wonderful finish!
CROSSBAR! Albania almost find a route back into this match as Llullaku sends a header towards the top corner, but his effort hits the crossbar! So close for the visitors!
BOOKING! Xhaka (Albania) is booked for a foul on Koke.
GOAL! Spain 3-0 Albania (Thiago)
Spain make it 3-0 in the 26th minute as Thiago heads a wonderful Odriozola cross into the back of the net! Not sure about the defending, but Spain lead 3-0 with just 27 minutes on the clock.
BOOKING! Kace (Albania) is booked for an elbow on Alba.
Spain could score six or seven tonight if they fancy it. Albania have some key players missing through suspension tonight, but the visitors have simply been unable to cope with Spain's movement, which has been sensational to watch. The hosts have been just wonderful here.
Silva heads an Isco cross over the crossbar as Albania struggle to contain Spain once again. Some of Isco's work in the final third has been an absolute joy to watch. What a footballer he is.
Albania need to be so careful here as they continue to commit fouls. Three players are already on yellow cards, and you can just see someone getting sent off. That is the last thing Albania need.
Alba sends the ball wide of the far post as the left-back breaks into the Albania box once again. Spain are basically playing two at the back tonight - Pique and Ramos. That is all.
Decent spell of possession for Albania in the last couple of minutes, but they are not really getting anywhere with it. In truth, they have been second best by some distance in this first period.
CHANCE! Another super chance for Rodrigo as the Valencia forward meets another cross from Odriozola, but his header is over the crossbar! He could have had three this half!
Albania have another half-chance as Grezda delivers a dangerous cross towards Kace, but Odriozola is on hand to make the clearance. The visitors have had their moments in this first period, but have just lacked that quality in the final third. Still 3-0 Spain with 42 minutes played.
Isco looks to find the top corner with a curling effort, but Hysaj makes a smart block. Spain could have scored five or six in this first period, there is absolutely no doubt about that.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Albania as Pique loses possession inside his own box. Grezda delivers low towards Llullaku, but Ramos makes a fine defensive block!
HALF-TIME: Spain 3-0 Albania
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Spain leading Albania 3-0 at the interval courtesy of goals from Rodrigo, Isco and Thiago. Spain have been brilliant, but Albania have had their moments, and should have found the back of the net at least once tonight.
STATS! Spain have dominated the possession with 62%, while the home side had 15 attempts in the first period - four of which were on target. Albania, meanwhile, hit the target with one of their seven attempts in the opening 45 minutes. Three players have received bookings - Llullaku, Xhaka and Kace.
BENCH WATCH! Albania do have a number of attacking options on their bench tonight, with Agolli, Basha and Sadiku among those capable of making a difference in the second period. As for Spain, the home side have the likes of Aduriz, Asensio, Aspas, Callejon, Pedro and Viera on a star-studded bench.
RESTART! Albania resume the action here...
... ALBANIA SUBS! Agolli and Sadiku have replaced Memolla and Balliu at the interval. Not too much of a surprise that Albania have shuffled their pack at the interval tonight.
BOOKING! Grezda (Albania) is booked for a poor challenge on Alba.
BOOKING! Pique (Spain) is booked for a foul on Sadiku.
It has been a decent start to the second period from Albania, but they actually started the first half quite well before being blown away by some exceptional football. It will be very interesting to see whether Spain maintain their tempo from the first period. Will they put Albania to the sword?
CHANCE! Saul has a wonderful chance to score a fourth for Spain after meeting a cross from Alba, but the Atletico midfielder sees his header saved by Berisha!
I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals tonight as both teams continue to commit players in the final third of the field. Spain could score five or six if they really fancied it, but Albania certainly have talented players in the final third. The second period is bubbling along nicely here.
SAVE! Another smart save from Berisha as the Albania goalkeeper keeps out a low strike from Rodrigo, who had been released by Silva. Spain continue to threaten here.
I wonder how long Lopetegui will leave it before looking to his bench tonight. He does not need players to come off the bench to change the game, but will be keen to give some minutes to those that need it. We are approaching the final 30 minutes of this Group G clash in Alicante.
Rodrigo scoops the ball over the Albania crossbar from just outside the box.
Bit of possession for Albania in the last few minutes as they threaten in the final third. The visitors actually have a good penalty shout when Alba seems to handle inside the Spain box, but the referee is not interested. We are approaching the final 30 minutes of this World Cup qualification match.
CHANCE! Super chance for Albania as Ajeti meets a corner from the right, but his header is wide of the Spain post. Really should have done better from that position!
SPAIN SUB! Nacho replaces Pique for Spain.
Pique was actually widely applauded leaving the field, which is really good to see. There have been no sign of any boos for the centre-back tonight. Still 3-0 to Spain with 62 minutes played.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as Spain look happy keeping possession of the ball. In truth, this game as a contest ended when the third goal went in.
BOOKING! Silva (Spain) is booked for a foul on Agolli.
Spain will be without Pique and Silva for the Israel match due to both picking up cards tonight.
ALBANIA SUB! Albania make their final change as Grezda is replaced by Latifi.
POST! Another super chance for Albania as Sadiku meets a cross from the right, but his header hits the post! So close for the visitors once again.
BOOKING! Hysaj (Albania) is booked for bringing Rodrigo to the deck.
Isco sends the resulting free kick over the Albania crossbar.
CHANCES! Two more chances for the away side, but Latifi sees his effort saved by De Gea, before Sadiku fires over from the rebound! Albania are really having a go at the moment.
SPAIN SUB! Asensio replaces David Silva in Spain's second change.
Albania have played really well in the second period, but Spain's level has dropped after such an impressive first-half performance. In truth, that is not too much of a surprise.
CLOSE! Saul just misses the post with an effort from a central position.
Italy are still beating Macedonia 1-0. As a result, Spain will not mathematically qualify tonight, but they are pretty much there due to their far superior goal difference. Spanish football fans, you can book your tickets for Russia. Spain will be there, and they look ready to seriously challenge.
Scrap that, Macedonia have scored! It is currently 1-1 in that match, which means that as it stands, Spain will qualify for the World Cup finals tonight. Can Italy score a second in the final stages?!
SPAIN SUB! Aduriz replaces Rodrigo in Spain's third change.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with Albania holding firm at the back. The visitors can be proud of their performance in the second period, that is for sure.
It appears that De Gea is going to keep a clean sheet tonight, but Albania have hit the woodwork on two separate occasions, and have also created some really good opportunities.
Italy are still being held at home by Macedonia. If that stays as it is, Spain will qualify for the World Cup tonight. Still time for the Italians to take it into the final Group G fixture, however.
We are into the first of two additional minutes in Alicante.
SAVE! Asensio sees his long-range free kick tipped over the crossbar!
FULL-TIME: Spain 3-0 Albania
So there we have it. Spain book their spot at the 2018 World Cup courtesy of a 3-0 win over Albania. La Roja did their job, and Italy have been held at home by Macedonia, which means that Julen Lopetegui's side have won the group. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. Until next time!
