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Defending champions Spain booked their ticket to France for next summer’s Euro championships with a 4-0 demolition of Luxembourg on Friday. The Spaniards, sitting comfortably at the top of Group C made light work of their opposition with two goals each from Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla and Valencia striker Pablo Alcacer.
But their victory came at a cost with injuries to Manchester City’s David Silva and Juventus striker Alvaro Morata. Both players had to be substituted before half-time. An apparent calf injury to Morata looked serious as he had to be stretchered off the pitch.
Alvaro Morata started the game as the lone striker in place of regular starter Diego Costa who was dropped by manager Vicente del Bosque from his squad altogether for disciplinary reasons. Spain lost David Silva as early as the 10th minute after he struggled to shake off a knock to his ankle. He was replaced with Manchester United’s Juan Mata. Del Bosque was dealt with another serious blow when striker Morata had to be replaced after sustaining damage to his right fibula.
Spain were unable to capitalize on the chances they created with Morata, Alba missing great opportunities and Cazorla hitting the woodwork in the 21st minute. Luxembourg may have harbored hopes of just about holding out, and were given a boost when Stefano Bensi's shot from a fair distance had Iker Casillas diving to his left.
But La Roja finally struck with Santi Cazorla opening the scoring in the 42nd minute. Paco Alcacer, who replaced the injured Morata netted in the 67th and 80th minute through assists from Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas and Barcelona's Jordi Alba. Cazorla then added another to his tally when he struck from the edge of the box to give Spain a commanding win.
“Finally we have managed it,” Cazorla told Spanish television. “We couldn’t let our guard down and I think it was a great win,” the Arsenal midfielder added after the game.
Spain are now unbeaten in 32 home Euro qualifiers and are looking to be the first country to win the Euro championships three times in a row. Champions in 2008 and 2012, with a maiden World Cup in between in 2010, Spain are now assured of top spot in the group with 24 points.
