Spain march on with perfect record

Perfect record
Spain travelled to Almaty with an unblemished record in the section, though that was in doubt going into the final few minutes after Yerzat Kenbaev cancelled out Esteban Granero's 24th-minute goal for the visitors on the hour. However, Talgat Sabalakov put through his own net late on to leave the Iberians targeting a perfect qualification programme when they sign off against Russia in Palencia on Tuesday.

Set-piece opener
New Spain coach Juan Ramón López Caro had enjoyed a debut to remember when his side won in Russia last time out, and Spain were soon in control of their concluding away game tonight. Kazakhstan were restricted to long-range shots, while Sisi and Juan Mata – who went close from distance on 19 minutes – proved a lively presence for Spain before Getafe CF midfielder Granero curled a free-kick from the left into the corner of Andrey Shabanov's goal.

Xisco chance
Kazakhstan could have restored parity within minutes as Kenbaev narrowly failed to connect with a fine cross from Tanat Nusserbayev, although they were fortunate to still be in contention just before the break as Sisinio, Juan Mata and Xisco raced clear of the offside trap, only for the third-mentioned to miss from two metres, albeit under pressure from Vladimir Noskov.

Late drama
Kenbaev showed the new Newcastle United FC signing how to do it on the hour, making Gerard Piqué pay for a slip by holding off two other defenders and slotting the ball in. The home team were not without opportunities to win the game, something Spain did in the 87th minute when Sabalakov inadvertently turned in Raúl García's cross from the left.