David Silva was handed the armband for his 106th International cap and, consequently, led Spain to a comfortable, if not pulsating, 4-0 victory. The native of Gran Canaria registered two assists in the win. Manchester City teammate Nolito remained an unused substitute.
The pattern of the game was as anticipated with the hosts controlling much of the ball, probing from side to side searching for a seam to split in the Macedonia rearguard.
However, it wasn’t all one-way traffic. Macedonia posed their greatest threat from set pieces and could quite easily have taken an unlikely lead within the opening ten minutes. Two opportunities of sizeable significance went begging and provided Spain with a gentle warning shot.
Spain continued to control possession, gradually eking out clearer openings, the best of which came midway through the first half when captain Silva saw his goal-bound volley headed away from inside the six-yard box.
That was a sign that the Macedonian resistance was wavering, and it wasn’t long until the deadlock was broken. Alvaro Morata’s presence was enough to cause confusion, resulting in Krste Velkoski heading into his own net.
It was a solid if unspectacular opening half but an advantage nonetheless, one that was pressed home convincingly in the second half.
Silva missed a fantastic opportunity to score his 29th International goal early in the second period, missing his kick from Vitolo’s cross with only the keeper to beat. Shortly after, City’s number 21 reverted to what he is better known for. He turned provider for Vitolo to head home Spain’s second.
That all but sealed the three points required to keep Spanish noses just in front of Italy in Group G, but they needed David De Gea to remain alert to prevent a nervous finish. He reacted well to a rare Macedonian effort, clawing away Enis Bardhi’s 30-yard thunderbolt.
The hosts weren’t done yet, though, and they added some gloss to the scoreline with two goals in two minutes late in the game. Arsenal full-back Nacho Monreal netted the third before Silva squared for Aritz Aduriz to slide home a fourth – just seconds later.
The victory meant that Spain had won 44 of their last 57 qualification matches. Next up for the 2010 World Cup Winners is a trip to Wembley for a friendly against England.
