2018 World Cup Qualifier
Result: Macedonia 1-2 Spain
Date: 11 June 2017
Venue: Nacionalna Arena Filip II Makedonski
Goals from David Silva and Diego Costa were enough to hand Spain a 2-1 win over Macedonia in their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Sunday evening.
La Roja dominated proceedings in the opening exchanges and nearly went ahead after 13 minutes when Alvaro Morata's looping sailed onto the roof of the net.
Two minutes later, Spain broke the deadlock in the 15th minute as David Silva turned well before firing in a low effort from 10-yards out.
The lead was doubled in the 27th minute as Isco did well to beat his marker before crossing for Diego Costa, who tapped home from close range.
Macedonia were on the back foot for most of the half, although they did go close through Nestorovski in the 37th minute.
Spain should have extended their lead on the stroke of halftime, but Dimitrievski produced a good save to deny Isco from close range.
After a quiet opening to the second, Macedonia pulled goal back in the 66th minute as Goran Pandev picked out Stefan Ristovski, who fired past David De Gea.
Spain responded by introducing Pedro Rodriguez and Koke for Silva and Thiago Alcantara for the final 20 minutes.
Gerard Pique had a chance to restore Spain's two-goal lead in the 82nd minute but his towering header sailed just wide of the upright.
The visitors pushed for another goal in the closing stages but they were unable to carve out another chance as the score remained 2-1 at the full-time whistle.
