adminSpain won for the first time since the World Cup as they thrashed Macedonia 5-1 in their Euro 2016 Group C qualification opener.
Valencia’s Paco Alcacer, making his debut in the absence of the injured Diego Costa, found the net with David Silva also on the scoresheet.In Group G Austria took the lead through a David Alaba penalty, but were ultimately held 1-1 at home by Sweden.
Ukraine went down 1-0 to Slovakia in Group C, while Luxembourg held Belarus.
Spain, whose World Cup defence ended after just two games in Brazil in the summer, suffered a friendly defeat to France on Thursday in their first game since the tournament.
But Macedonia proved the perfect opposition for Los Rojos to rebuild their confidence and plan for life without the recently-retired trio of Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Villa.
Sergio Ramos chipped home a 16th-minute penalty, before Alcacer hooked home from Juanfran’s knockdown shortly after in front of his hometown crowd.
Agim Ibraimi pulled one back from the spot for the visitors, but Sergio Busquets, Silva and Pedro scored as Spain well out of sight.
Barcelona’s teenage forward Munir El Haddadi replaced Koke in the 77th minute to make his international debut after just two competitive appearances for his club.
While England enjoyed a 2-0 win over Switzerland, there were wins elsewhere in Group E for Estonia, who overcame 10-man Slovenia thanks to substitute Ats Purje’s goal, and Lithuania, who saw off San Marino 2-0. — BBC
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter