PARIS: Spain moved to the brink of World Cup qualification after a commanding 4-0 win over Georgia on Saturday, though Turkey kept Group E alive by edging Bulgaria 2-0.
Spain remain three points clear with a far superior goal difference, meaning Turkey would need a seven-goal upset in Seville on Tuesday to deny La Roja automatic qualification.
Switzerland, meanwhile, were made to wait after Kosovo stunned Slovenia 2-0, delaying celebrations despite the Swiss beating Sweden 4-1. Only a heavy defeat in Kosovo on Tuesday can stop Switzerland from progressing.
Austria also inched closer to their first World Cup since 1998 after a Marko Arnautovic brace sealed a 2-0 win over Cyprus, though Bosnia-Herzegovina kept Group H open by coming from behind to beat 10-man Romania 3-1.
Belgium missed their chance to seal qualification after being held 1-1 by Kazakhstan, but with Liechtenstein up next, they remain favourites to finish the job.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice in Spain’s win, adding to goals from Martin Zubimendi and Ferran Torres as the European champions extended their perfect defensive record — 19 goals scored, none conceded.
Turkey’s victory came via Hakan Calhanoglu’s early penalty and an Atanas Chernev own goal.
Switzerland’s win featured goals from Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi, with Granit Xhaka converting a penalty.
Elsewhere, Wales stayed in the hunt with a 1-0 win over Liechtenstein, while Denmark were held 2-2 by Belarus and Scotland fell 3-2 to Greece. – AFP
