Spain vs. Luxembourg: Score and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier
Spain have qualified for the 2016 European Championship after they beat Luxembourg 4-0 at the Estadio Las Gaunas.
Braces from Santi Cazorla and substitute Paco Alcacer secured the points for Vicente del Bosque's side.
La Roja were forced into two substitutions in the first half hour, as David Silva and Alvaro Morata went off injured, but they nevertheless were comfortable throughout, as they dominated from start to finish.
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Though Morata was the only starting centre-forward, Del Bosque named a strong first XI with plenty of goals between them, per Squawka Football:
Despite Silva and Morata being forced off for Juan Mata and Alcacer by the 32nd minute, the hosts enjoyed plenty of chances in the opening 45 minutes.
Morata had two sights of goal inside five minutes, first forcing a comfortable save from Jonathan Joubert and then flashing a shot narrowly wide.
Cesc Fabregas and Cazorla pulled the strings in the heart of midfield, and Jordi Alba should have scored from close range when he pounced on a wide shot by the latter.
Cazorla then came close himself when he blasted an effort onto the crossbar.
Spain were soon rewarded for their dominance, though, when shortly before the break, the 30-year-old swept home a rebound from Pedro eight yards out. Football journalist Dermot Corrigan demonstrated La Roja's dominance but also showed their profligacy in front of goal:
An early second-half chance for Aurelien Joachim reminded Spain of the need to extend their lead, but Luc Holtz's side were staunch in their defence.
La Roja eventually broke through, though, with Alcacer racing onto a delightful ball forward by Fabregas, and the Valencia man showed great composure to find the corner with his cool strike.
A lovely move involving substitute Nolito and Alba allowed Alcacer to score his sixth goal in nine appearances for Spain, the striker tapping in from the Barcelona left-back's cross after Nolito nutmegged a defender.
Cazorla rounded out the scoring late on as he lashed home a low, powerful shot from 18 yards.
European champions Spain are now assured of their place in France next summer to defend their title.
Morata's injury in particular will be a concern for La Roja, but Alcacer's impressive international form will be of some comfort to Del Bosque at least, as he continued his remarkable goalscoring run.
Post-Match Reaction
Del Bosque commented on the injuries to Silva and Morata, per Corrigan:
Cazorla reflected on the match and was understandably pleased with his own performance. According to Football Espana, he said:
"We finally succeeded [in qualifying]. We knew we couldn’t trust other results, we had a great game and earned a great victory.
I always try to play well. It was a surprise to start, but the Coach picked me and it went well in the end as I was able to play well and score two goals.
"
