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Spain 4 Israel 1: Spain stay top of Group G with comprehensive win over third-placed Israel

Goals from Premier League duo David Silva and Diego Costa, and one from Vitolo ensure the home side remained undefeated

SPAIN put third-placed Israel to the sword in Gijon tonight to extend their lead at the top of World Cup qualifying Group G.

Goals from David Silva, Vitolo and Diego Costa  in both halves saw the home side bag a comprehensive victory against the third-placed side.

David Silva opens the scoring for Spain against Israel
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David Silva opens the scoring for Spain against IsraelCredit: AP:Associated Press

Manchester City wizard Silva opened the scoring after just 13 minutes, striking home low left-footed from the side of the box.

The Israelis managed to hold out with the score at 1-0 until just before half-time when Sevilla forward Vitolo was played in Thiago Alcantara to fire home.

Sergio Ramos congratulates Diego Costa who scored the third for the Spaniards
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Sergio Ramos congratulates Diego Costa who scored the third for the SpaniardsCredit: Getty Images

Diego Costa, so often unpopular with Spain fans, is back in the fold and scored the third with a header from close range from Alcantara's corner.

On 76 minutes, Israel got a consolation, Club Brugge winger Lior Refaelov shot high into the top corner to momentarily silence the Spanish crowd.

Spain's Vitolo was the other scorer and he celebrates his goal here
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Spain's Vitolo was the other scorer and he celebrates his goal hereCredit: AP:Associated Press

Isco still had time to score a fourth for Spain, the Real Madrid star shooting home inside the box when set up by fellow sub Iago Aspas.

It was a successful night for Julen Lopetegui's side, when a win was vital given second-placed Italy also beat Albania.

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