Liechtenstein 0 - 8 Spain: Spain on song as Morata and Aspas hit doubles

Posted Wednesday, September 06, 2017 by PA

Alvaro Morata and substitute Iago Aspas each scored twice as Spain moved closer to the World Cup finals with an 8-0 win over Group G minnows Liechtenstein in Vaduz.

The Spaniards were in irresistible form as they built on Saturday's 3-0 thrashing of closest group rivals Italy in a predictable mis-match against opponents yet to claim a point.

Sergio Ramos got a dominant display underway as he headed home his first international goal in three years with just three minutes on the clock.

Morata added a header of his own in the 15th minute when he glanced home from an Andres Iniesta cross, then Liechtenstein keeper Peter Jehle fluffed a clearance allowing Isco to grab Spain's third.

A brief lull in the Spanish assault allowed the hosts to hold out for just over 20 minutes before David Silva drove home a delicious free-kick just before half-time, the Manchester City star's 33rd goal for his country.

Nicolas Hasler could have made a name for himself but failed to make the most of a sloppy back-pass from Gerard Pique as the Spaniards showed signs of starting to cruise towards their inevitable win.

Morata was denied by Jehle as well as an offside flag before the break when the visitors made three changes, including replacing Silva with Aspas.

The substitute needed just six minutes to make an impression as he bundled home Spain's fifth after Morata's initial effort hit the bar and bounced off hapless keeper Jehle.

Three minutes later Morata grabbed his second then Aspas joined him on a brace on 62 minutes, finishing off after an initial effort from Pedro.

A one-sided scoreline was finally complete in the 89th minute when Gerard Deulofeu's cross was turned into his own net by Liechtenstein defender Max Goppel.