Costa and Nolito goals ease Spain past Albania in World Cup qualifying
Spain deployed a back three and played well in the first half but their goals both came after the break
Second half goals from Diego Costa and Nolito helped Spain to a deserved 2-0 win over Albania in World Cup qualifying on Sunday.
Julen Lopetegui shuffled his pack after Thursday’s draw with Italy, bringing in Nacho Monreal for the injured Jordi Alba and dropping Dani Carvajal as he went with a three man defence.
It allowed Spain’s midfield -- which was comprised of Sergio Busquets, Koke, Thiago and Andres Iniesta -- to completely dominate the game.
Koke almost got on the end of a a good team move, with Vitolo seeing his shot from the edge of the area well saved after another flowing La Roja move.
The first half ended goalless but Spain eventually made the breakthrough in the second period.
Diego Costa scored the first, firing home from a David Silva pass, and Nolito, who had come on as a second half substitute, added the second.
The Manchester City man rode a challenge on the edge of the box before finishing from eight yards.
Spain now have seven points from their opening three games, the same as Italy, with Albania and Israel next with six points each.
Macedonia and Liechtenstein are yet to get off the mark.
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