World Cup

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World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage

Sep 5, 2016 at 7.45pm UK

Spain
8-0
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein

Costa (10', 67'), Roberto (55'), Silva (59', 91'), Vitolo (60'), Morata (82', 83')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Julen Lopetegui pleased with Spain start

By Matt Law, Football Editor

Published: September 6 2016 | 13:13

Last updated: September 6 2016 | 14:56

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui says that it was "important to start well" after his team beat Liechtenstein 8-0 in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has revealed his delight after La Roja opened their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign with a 8-0 victory over Group G minnows Liechtenstein on Monday night.

The home side only led 1-0 at the break after struggling to create openings in the first period, but hit seven goals in the second half to ensure that they made a thumping start to the qualification process.

Lopetegui has insisted that Spain's dominance of the possession in the first half allowed them to wear down their opponents and ultimately record an eight-goal victory in Leon.

"I'm happy with the team's performance and the three points. It's important to start well. We had a very good second half but also [did well] in the first. What we sowed in the first half, we picked up in the second," Lopetegui told reporters.

Next up for Spain in Group G is a trip to Italy next month.