Silva, Costa maintain Spain's edge

SKOPJE - Spain stayed ahead of Italy in the fight for automatic qualification for next year's World Cup as David Silva and Diego Costa tallied in Sunday's 2-1 win over Macedonia.

The two European giants are tied atop Group G of UEFA qualifying with 16 points after Italy saw off Liechtenstein 5-0 in Udine.

But Spain has a superior goal difference and hosts the Azzurri in a qualifier at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu on Sept 2.

Only the group winner automatically books its place in Russia, with second place left to fight out a two-legged playoff in November.

"It is going to be the most important game of the group," Spain playmaker Isco told TV station Teledeporte.

"But we are at home, we hope the Bernabeu will be a fortress and, at the end of the day, it is in our hands."

The win extends Julen Lopetegui's unbeaten record as Spain boss since replacing Vicente del Bosque just under a year ago, and the visitor looked to be set for an easy night in Skopje after a dominant first half.

"We have achieved our objective, which was the three points in a difficult game for this time of year," said Lopetegui.

"Other than the goal, we didn't suffer, but it is true that just a one-goal difference made us struggle more than expected after seeing the first-half."

Silva has been the go-to guy during Lopetegui's reign and took his tally to eight goals in his last 10 international matches by finishing off a fine three-way move involving Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba to open the scoring in the 15th minute.

Isco was rewarded for his brilliant form towards the end of Real's La Liga and Champions League double-winning campaign with a rare start for his country and wasted no time in making an impact.

He stung the palms of goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski before driving another effort just over the bar.

Some sublime skill took Isco past defender Kire Ristevski before his low cross was tapped in by Chelsea striker Costa at the back post in the 27th minute.

"I ended the season very strongly and for any player it is important to have the confidence of the coach," said Isco.

"These are three important points against an opponent that made things difficult for us, and now it is time to rest."

Isco should have added a third before halftime when he dallied before firing too close to Dimitrievski.

However, Spain looked like a side in need of a post-season rest as it took its foot off the gas after the break to allow Macedonia back into the game.

It took a moment of brilliance from Stefan Ristovski to give the host hope, as the rightback charged forward before blasting high into David de Gea's top left-hand corner.

Dimitrievski was forced into one last save four minutes from time to prevent Costa adding a gloss to the scoreline.

Agence France-Presse