Skip to content

European Qualifying round-up: David Silva injured but Spain qualify

David Silva's game didn't last long
Image: David Silva's game didn't last long, but Spain progressed to Euro 2016 on the night

Spain and Switzerland stamped their tickets for France next summer in their penultimate games European Qualifying, but there was a worry for Manchester City's David Silva.

The Spaniard was brought off early on during the 4-0 win over Luxembourg with an ankle injury, adding to a bad week for City after Sergio Aguero was ruled out for two to eight weeks with a grade two muscle tear.

Spain, the 2012 champions, began the night five points clear of third-placed Ukraine in Group C and that was also how they ended it.

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla scored two of the goals, with the other two coming from Paco Alcacer of Valencia.

See the European Qualifiers tables as it stands here

Ukraine's 2-0 win over Macedonia, with goals from Yevhen Seleznyov and Artem Kravets, brought them level on points with second-placed Slovakia.

Jan Kozak's side lost 1-0 at home to Belarus after Stanislav Dragun's first-half strike, despite the dismissal of Alyaksandr Martynovich.

Also See:

They hold the head-to-head tie-break over Ukraine, though, and face Luxembourg on Monday while Ukraine host Spain.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arsenal's Santi Cazorla scored twice as Spain thrashed Luxembourg 4-0

In England's Group E, Switzerland held a three-point lead over Slovenia and took care of business against perennial whipping boys San Marino, a second-half onslaught bringing them a 7-0 win with the help of three penalties.

Michael Lang opened the scoring in the first half and after the interval, spot-kicks from Gokhan Inler, Johan Djourou and the impressive Breel Embolo were added to by Admir Mehmedi, Pajtim Kasami and Eren Derdiyok.

See the European Qualifiers tables as it stands here

That meant Slovenia would need to match their win to remain in contention for automatic qualification, but they could only draw with Lithuania as Arvydas Novikovas' late strike cancelled out Valter Birsa's opener - both goals coming from the penalty spot.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Stoke's Marko Arnautovic showed great determination to score for Austria in the 3-2 win at Montenegro

The point takes Slovenia three clear of Estonia in the race for the play-off spot. The head-to-head is level after a 1-0 home win apiece, but Slovenia have much the better goal difference and play San Marino on Monday.

In Group G, goals in the final 10 minutes from Austria's Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer ended Montenegro's qualifying hopes as Sweden and Russia took their battle for second place down to the final game.

Russia have a two-point advantage after beating Moldova 2-1, Sergei Ignashevich and Artem Dzyuba with the goals before Eugeniu Cebotaru pulled one back late on.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a penalty for Sweden, but they ran out 2-0 winners in Liechtenstein

Sweden remained in contention with a 2-0 win in Liechtenstein, Marcus Berg and Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring either side of half-time.

They play Moldova in their final game while Russia host Montenegro, who harboured hopes of a play-off place until the closing stages against already-qualified Austria.

Mirko Vucinic's goal was cancelled out by Marc Janko but Fatos Beciraj restored their lead, only for the visitors' late salvo and Vucinic's dismissal to see them eliminated after a 3-2 defeat.

See the European Qualifiers tables as it stands here

Around Sky