Spain 4-1 Israel: Diego Costa strikes as hosts stroll to victory to stay top of Group G

Friday 24 March 2017 22:46, UK

Diego Costa was among the scorers as Spain strolled to a 4-1 win at home to Israel in a World Cup Qualifier on Friday to stay top of their group.

Manchester City playmaker David Silva put Spain ahead in the 15th minute with a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ofir Marciano while Vitolo doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time just after Israel had squandered a chance to level.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa scored a fourth international goal in four games to put Spain 3-0 up early in the second half with a header from a corner although Israel striker Lior Rafaelov made amends for an earlier miss by pulling one back in the 76th minute.

Isco then restored Spain's three-goal advantage in the 88th minute, rolling the ball into the near corner to complete a sweeping counter began by a burst forward from Costa from the halfway line.

Spain top Group G with 13 points from five games, ahead of Italy on goal difference. Israel are third on nine points and Albania are fourth on six.