Tuesday's Group I World Cup qualifier in Albacete pitted world and European chamions Spain against Georgia.
The home side, who needed just one point to be sure of qualification, took the lead after 26 minutes when Alvaro Negredo turned home from close range.
Spain had to wait until just past the hour mark to add their second, however, with Juan Mata converting from inside the box.
It could and should have been more comfortable for La Roja, but a 2-0 win booked their spot in Brazil.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! A number of nations have already booked their spot at the 2014 World Cup, but as it stands, Spain are not one of them. However, with the World and European champions needing just one point from this particular clash, it would be one of the biggest upsets of all time if Vicente del Bosque did not lead his side into the competition as holders.
Georgia will take heart from their performance against Spain last time out, however, with the away side needing a late strike from Roberto Soldado to pick up all the points. Goals have been a problem for Georgia in this particular qualifying campaign, with just three strikes in their seven matches, which is comfortably the worst record in the group.
TEAMS:
SPAIN: Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alberto Moreno; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Negredo, Navas
GEORGIA: To follow.
So there we have it. As expected, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque rings the changes with Iker Casillas returning in goal, while there is a debut for Sevilla defender Alberto Moreno in defence. Juanfran also comes into the team at right-back, with Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas also coming into the XI. We are still awaiting the confirmed team news for the away side.
Spain currently sit top of Group I on 17 points. They have won five of their seven matches, remaining unbeaten in the process. Friday’s 2-1 win over Belarus moved them three points clear of second-place France, who have already secured at least a playoff spot. Spain could also lose this evening and still go through, with their goal difference superior to France’s.
The home side have tasted defeat in their last five matches with a 3-0 loss to Brazil in the final of the Confederations Cup. However, they are unbeaten in their last 52 matches in qualifying games. La Roja have faced criticism for a number of below-par performances in this particular campaign, but they will still enter next summer as one of the favourites, should they indeed make it.
TEAMS:
SPAIN: Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alberto Moreno; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Negredo, Navas
GEORGIA: Loria; Amisulashvili, Grigalava, Khubutia, Kashia; Lobzhanidze, Kobakhidze, Kankava, Ananidze; Okriashvili, Gelashvili
So there we have it. Finally the Georgia team news has reached us. No real surprises in their lineup this evening with Nikoloz Gelashvili joined in attack by Tornike Okriashvili in attack. There are also starts for Kankava and Ananidze in midfield. It will be a real test of their credentials this evening there is no question about that.
Let’s take a look at how each side has fared this far. Spain opened their Group I campaign with a 1-0 win in Georgia in September 2012, before beating Belarus 4-0 on the road. They disappointed on their own patch, however, with a 1-1 draw against France followed by a surprise 1-1 draw with Finland.
Del Bosque’s side have since won three in a row, however, with a 1-0 win in France allowing them to take control of the group, before they picked up all three points in Finland in September. As mentioned, they were also 2-1 winners at home to Belarus on Friday. It is simple for Spain, another win and they will be playing in Brazil next summer.
Georgia, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 1-0 win against Belarus, before losing to Spain and drawing with Finland. Back-to-back losses against Belarus and France followed, before they drew 0-0 with France in Tbiliso. They also tasted defeat in their last group match with a 1-0 home loss to Finland. They are, however, guaranteed not to finish bottom of the group.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. In short, I would be utterly astounded if Spain were not convincing winners this evening. Right, the home side get the action underway on this warm evening in Albacete. Are Spain just 90 minutes away from securing their spot in Brazil next summer?
As expected, Spain have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes with Juanfran and Moreno already taking up advanced areas. The latter delivers a dangerous cross into the box moments later, but Kashia manages to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner, however, breaks down outside the box.
Busquets has the first effort of the match as the Spain midfielder collects a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Loria. The pressure continues with Pedro down the right, but Khubutia is on the cover to clear. Gelashvili attempts to break down the other end, but Ramos is on hand to quell the danger at the vital moment.
It would be no exaggeration to say that Georgia have been in the Spain half just once in the opening six minutes. The home side continue to force the issue with plenty of possession outside the box, but they have been unable to find that elusive pass thus far. Already Moreno, on his Spain debut, has been heavily involved.
CHANCE! Wonderful work from Navas as the Manchester City winger dances into the box before attempting to flash an effort into the bottom corner, but Khubutia is on hand to clear off the line at the vital moment. Georgia have managed to get through the opening eight minutes without conceding.
Another half-chance for Spain as Pedro finds some space outside the box after a Xavi free kick had dropped short, but the Barcelona attacker can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Georgia restart with a goal kick, but Loria's clearance goes straight through to Casillas, who immediately finds Juanfran down the right. One-way traffic with 10 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! The chances continue to arrive for Spain as Negredo meets a cross from Iniesta, but he can only fire his header over the crossbar. Georgia simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment with Juanfran and Moreno leaving Pique and Ramos as the only two defenders. It does look as if the first goal is coming. The home supporters certainly seem to think so.
It is almost like a training match at the moment as Spain continue to pass and probe outside the box, but in fairness to the away side, they are making it difficult with a compact defence. We have not seen too much from Gelashvili, however, with the Belarus striker cutting an isolated figure. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock in this Group I qualifier.
Georgia have just managed to quell the danger in the last couple of moments with Dzaria and Lobzhanidze seeing plenty of the ball in the midfield area, but there is not too much movement ahead of them. Negredo has another half-chance moments later, but Loria is on hand to quell the Manchester City striker from close range.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Spain finding it difficult to play their way through this stern defence. In truth, it is similiar to the clash with Belarus last week, where they had to wait until the second period to open the scoring. As it stands, however, Spain are doing just enough to book their spot in the World Cup finals next summer. A point is indeed enough.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as poor defending presents Navas with the ball just inside the away side's box, but he can only curl his effort high and wide of the crossbar. In truth, he is not a man known for his goals. Spain continue to pass and probe outside the Georgia box, but the score remains goalless with 22 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Stunning effort from Negredo as the Spain striker attempts a bicycle kick from inside the box, but Loria is on hand to make a fine save. The resulting corner is delivered into the middle of the area, but Loria claws clear. The pressure is certainly building as the first period continues to gather pace.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Georgia (Negredo)
Spain finally take the lead with 26 minutes on the clock as Negredo turns an Iniesta cross into the back of the net from close range. He had looked the most likely there is no question about that. The resistance has been broken. It is a tough road ahead for Georgia from here.
Decent response from the away side as Kobakhidze strikes an effort from outside the box, but Casillas is on hand to make a fine save. Spain are down the other end with Navas moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. End-to-end football with 29 minutes on the clock. It is an entertaining fixture there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Gelashvili shows his pace to move beyond Pique before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Casillas is across to make the save. It falls to Kobakhidze, but he fires high and wide of the crossbar. It has been a very impressive response from the away side.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but Spain have regained control of the possession with Xavi and Iniesta seeing plenty of the ball. Eventually Pedro has the ball down the right, but his cross is cleared for a corner, which is cleared by Loria. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Spain.
Spain continue to dominate possession with Juanfran and Moreno prepared to advance down each wing. The latter has the opportunity to deliver a deep cross into the box moments later and indeed obliges, but Loria is on hand to collect. It is almost as if Spain have just dropped their intensity in the last couple of moments, which is not surprising.
Half-chance for the home side as Negredo combines with his Manchester City teammate before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but his effort is blocked. Pedro collects possession moments later, but he loses possession before fouling Kashia. Still 1-0 to Spain with little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for Xavi moments later as the ball drops kindly for the Barcelona midfielder outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Georgia attempt to break down the other end with Gelashvili, but the striker is once more isolated. Another goal for Spain would surely kill this game off as a contest.
POST! Wonderful chance for Spain to make it 2-0 as Negredo finds some space inside the box, but his low effort smashes off the post. Negredo has been Spain's best player by a million miles this evening there is no question about that.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Georgia able to repel the danger. It will certainly be interesting to see whether the away side go with a different formation in the second period. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Spain 1-0 Georgia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Spain leading courtesy of a close-range strike from Negredo with 26 minutes on the clock. The Manchester City striker could have had four in the opening 45 minutes, but Georgia have also had their moments.
STATISTICS: It will come as no surprise to learn that Spain have had 80% of the ball this evening, while they have had 13 attempts to Georgia's four. That said, the away side have had a couple of opportunities, with Gelashvili bringing the best out of Casillas. As it stands, Spain are going to the World Cup next summer.
BENCH WATCH: Spain have an embarrasment of riches in reserve this evening with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, David Silva and Michu all on the bench. Meanwhile, Georgia have the likes of George Popkhadze, Grigol Dolidze and David Targamadze on the sidelines.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that there is another Group I fixture taking place this evening with France leading Finland at the interval courtesy of a strike from Franck Ribery after eight minutes. As it stands, Les Blues will finish second with Spain topping the group. Georgia get the second period underway.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that there is another Group I fixture taking place this evening with France leading Finland at the interval courtesy of a strike from Franck Ribery after eight minutes. As it stands, Les Blues will finish second with Spain topping the group. Georgia get the second period underway.
Spain have started the second period as they spent most of the first - in utter control. The first half-chance comes to Negredo as Moreno drives a low cross into the box, but Loria is on hand to collect. Negredo calls for a penalty moments later after falling in the box, but the referee is not interested, despite claims from the home supporters.
There were no changes for either side at the interval, but I suspect Spain will look to their bench in the next 15 minutes or so, with Del Bosque making various promises to club managers. It isnt as if he has a lack of options on the bench. Kashia attempts to force the issue for the away side moments later, but Juanfran is across to clear the danger.
Spain continue to pass and probe outside the box with Moreno and Iniesta both involved. Eventually a low cross comes into the box by Juanfran, with Negredo on hand to make contact, but it never had enough power to really trouble Loria. You get the feeling that another Spain goal would end this match as a contest. Just a reminder that a point would secure top spot in Group I for Spain.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments with the official forced to intervene following a number of poor challenges. The match has just become slightly untidy in the last couple of moments with Georgia showing signs of frustration. Still more than 35 minutes of football remaining in Albacate.
Half-chance for the home side to test Loria from outside the box as Iniesta wins a free kick. The Barcelona midfielder whips the resulting set piece into the box, but Negredo can only lift his header high and wide of the crossbar. First change of the match is being prepared by Spain, meanwhile, with Juan Mata on the side of the pitch.
The change is indeed made as Mata replaces Pedro, who had just been feeling his hamstring in the last couple of moments. Not a bad change to make that is for certain. Still no movement on the away side's bench, but I expect that will change in the next five minutes or so. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Again it's good work from Navas as the Manchester City winger finds some space down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but Kashia is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards Negredo, but Lobzhanidze beats the City striker in the air. Spain continue to search for their second.
GOAL! Spain 2-0 Georgia (Mata)
Spain have their second of the match just past the hour mark as Mata pounces on a loose ball inside the box before firing his effort into the bottom corner. Not the type of goal that the Chelsea midfielder usually scores, but they all count.
Well, that should be that as far as Spain qualifying for the World Cup. In truth, it was never in doubt. The home side will attempt to make this match more comprehensive in the remaining 25 minutes or so there is no question about that. Meanwhile, it appears that Real Madrid midfielder Isco could soon join us on the field.
Another half-chance for the home side as Navas collects possession outside the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Georgia have a half-chance down the other end moments later, but Dzaria can only turn his strike into the body of Pique.
Spain make their second change of the match as Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke comes on to replace Xavi, whose legs have just gone in the last five minutes or so. It is a case of job done for the Barcelona man as he leaves the pitch to a standing ovation. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Spain. The home side are heading for the World Cup.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments with Spain guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Iniesta does create a half-chance inside the box, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar for Spain's 13th corner of the match. Still 2-0 to the home side with 71 minutes on the clock.
Georgia make their first change of the evening with Evralidze replacing Grigalashvili. The away side can be pleased with their overall performance this evening there is no question about that. Spain have one change remaining and it would not be a surprise to see Michu given another run out in the latter stages.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Mata to score his second as the Chelsea midfielder creates some space inside the box, but his low effort is pushed wide of the post by Loria, who has been impressive this evening. The resulting corner is met by Ramos, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar.
The match has become untidy in the last couple of moments with both sides conceding a number of free kicks in the opposing half. The away side have had more of the ball in the second period, but they have struggled to break open Spain in the final third. It is ever so comfortable for the home side as they move closer to securing their spot at the World Cup next summer.
Half-chance for the away side as Gelashvili meets a deep cross, but he cannot make proper contact and Casillas is on hand to collect with relative ease. Spain are down the other end with Navas moments later, but he loses possession inside the opposition box. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Spain make their third and final change of the evening as Real Madrid midfielder Isco enters in place of Iniesta, who has been wonderful this evening. Spain have been able to bring on Mata, Isco and Koke in the second period, and that is with the likes of Fabregas still on the bench. Quite incredible.
CHANCE! Another fine chance for Negredo to score his second as the Spaniard meets a low cross from Navas, but Kashia manages to turn wide of the post. The resulting set piece is whipped into the near post by Mata, but the danger is cleared once more. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
Spain continue to pass and probe outside the box with Navas and Negredo looking the most likely to add to the score. Isco is involved moments later as he slides a low pass into the box, but Kashia manages to clear the danger. Georgia advance down the other end with Dzaria, but the move breaks down at the final moment.
Final change for the away side as Modebadze enters the field in place of Gelashvili, who has been impressive this evening. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments as Spain simply keep possession in the opposing half.
Half-chance for Koke to make it number three as the Atletico Madrid midfielder strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the 90. Spain are heading to the World Cup - as are England, who have just beaten Poland 2-0 at Wembley.
FULL-TIME: Spain 2-0 Georgia
So there we have it. Spain book their spot in the finals of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Georgia, topping Group I in the process. France, meanwhile, must make their way through the playoffs. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all the reaction from tonight's international matches. Good evening!
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