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WC round-up: Nacho Monreal nets in Spain win

Spain's defender Nacho Monreal (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring in the World Cup Qualifier against Macedona
Image: Spain's defender Nacho Monreal (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring in the World Cup Qualifier against Macedonia

Spain retained top spot in Group G after a 4-0 scoreline at home to Macedonia was matched by rivals Italy in Liechtenstein.

Having missed a good chance to put Macedonia ahead, Darko Velkovski's own goal broke the deadlock for Spain in the 34th minute, and Vitolo doubled the lead after half-time before Nacho Monreal and Aritz Aduriz finished things off.

Italy were in cruise control after just 45 minutes against Liechtenstein, having scored four times in the first half of a competitive match since January 1987 when they put five past Malta in a European Qualifier.

Andrea Belotti's two goals sandwiched efforts from Ciro Immobile - his fourth in as many appearances for Italy - and Antonio Candreva.

With the job done the second half was a less intensive affair and although Italy stay level on 10 points with Spain, their goal difference is inferior by five.

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Albania Keeper Etrit Berisha was sent off for a headbutt on Israeli captain Eran Zahavi but his replacement, Alban Hoxha, went on to save Zahavi's penalty

Israel moved into third place after beating previous incumbents Albania 3-0 thanks to goals from Eran Zahavi, Dan Einbinder and Eliran Atar.

In Group D, Wales were held to a 1-1 draw by Serbia after Aleksandar Mitrovic's 86th-minute goal cancelled out Gareth Bale's first-half strike.

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Highlights of Wales' World Cup qualifier against Serbia from Group D

It denied Chris Coleman's side the chance to overtake their opponents and move into second place behind the Republic of Ireland, who assumed top spot following a first victory over Austria since 1963 courtesy of James McClean's third goal in two matches.

Moldova gained their first point of the campaign with a 1-1 draw in Georgia as Alexandru Gatcan's 78th-minute goal cancelled out Valeri Qazaishvili's early effort.

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Moldova's Alexandru Gaţcan scored a brilliant looping volley to bring his side level against Georgia

Marcelo Brozovic scored both goals as Croatia opened up a gap at the top of Group I with a 2-0 win over nearest rivals Iceland.

The Inter Milan midfielder scored in the 15th and 90th minutes, after which Ivan Perisic was sent off.

Ukraine moved into second with a 1-0 win over Finland thanks to Artem Kravets' first-half goal.

Turkey registered their first victory of the World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over newcomers Kosovo, with Burak Yilmaz and Volkan Sen scoring within four minutes of each other just after half-time.

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