Spain won a ticket to the World Cup one match early

While Italy was held to a draw by Macedonia, Spain created a safe gap with a 3-0 win over Albania.

Goals: Rodrigo 16', Isco 24', Thiago 27'

Spain dominated the first half of the match. It took just 11 minutes for Rodrigo, Isco and Thiago to put the ball in the Albanian net three times in a row.

Albania is too weak to stop Spain (red shirt). Photo: Reuters

Spain's victory began in the 16th minute when Rodrigo latched onto a high pass into the box from Isco. After a chest-down, the 26-year-old scored his first international goal with a left-footed volley into the top corner.

Isco is not only the main creator for Spain, but also shows his ability to finish well. In the 24th minute, after Koke's pass, the midfielder born in 1992 calmly shot diagonally to increase the score to 2-0.

Spain wrapped up the win with just 27 minutes on the clock. Thiago scored the third goal with a thunderous header from a cross from the right wing.

Thanks to the big win over Albania, Spain firmly holds the top position in Group G of the European qualifying round with 25 points. Italy only has 20 points and has no chance of catching up in the final round.

Spain's early qualification was also thanks to Italy's stumble in the same match. The Blues had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Macedonia, who equalized in the 77th minute thanks to Aleksandar Trajkovski.

According to VNE