Spain top Group I to clinch finals place

Spain reached their tenth consecutive FIFA World Cup final tournament thanks to a 2-0 Group I victory over Georgia.

Having struck the second Spanish goal in Friday's home win against Belarus which left the holders needing a point against Georgia to clinch top spot in Group I ahead of France, Álvaro Negredo was at it again in Albacete. The Manchester City FC forward scored at the Carlos Belmonte stadium in a first half which La Roja largely dominated before substitute Juan Mata sealed the result after the break.

Vicente del Bosque's team started in determined fashion as they sought to seal their place in Brazil, with Sergio Busquets and Jesús Navas going close early on. Making his senior debut at left-back, 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning defender Alberto Moreno then fed Negredo, whose spectacular overhead kick was well saved by Giorgi Loria.

The hosts were not to be denied and took the lead in the 26th minute when Negredo registered the 200th goal of Vicente del Bosque's reign as coach after a fine move involving Pedro Rodríguez and Andrés Iniesta. At the other end, the returning Iker Casillas blocked a fierce drive by Nikoloz Gelashvili to maintain the advantage.

Looking to extend their record of 34 UEFA European Championship and World Cup qualifying games without defeat, the world and European champions went in search of a second which arrived when Mata converted a loose ball inside the box in the 61st minute.

Speaking after the victory in his native city, Iniesta said: "It is an emotional night. It is really special to have achieved qualification here. It has been a wonderful few days and we put in a great performance tonight and can now celebrate reaching the finals."