Pain for Spain, England comfortable
October 9, 2014
Thursday night saw the first set of 2016 European Championship qualifiers during October's international break. Two red cards, a missed penalty and a shock result proved that the early games were still worth watching.
Spain, looking to bounce back after a shock group-stage exit at the World Cup in Brazil, suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Slovakia. Alcacer Paco cancelled out Juraj Kucka's first-half strike, but three minutes from time Miroslav Stoch headed in a winner that sparked jubilant celebrations and sent Slovakia top of Group C.
Elsewhere, England comfortably overcame minnows San Marino 5-0, leaving Roy Hodgson's side top of Group E. Wayne Rooney scored his 42nd goal for England - the striker is now only eight away from becoming England's all-time leading goalscorer.
David Alaba's first-half penalty helped Austria towards a 2-1 win away win against Moldova, a result that moved them up to third in Group G.
Switzerland lost in Slovenia and Sweden struggled without Zlatan Ibrahimovic (injured) in their 1-1 draw against Russia. Sebastian Larsson missed what proved to be a decisive first-half penalty.
Thursday's EURO qualifier results:
Slovakia 2-1 Spain
England 5-0 San Marino
Moldova 1-2 Austria
Slovenia 1-0 Switzerland
Sweden 1-1 Russia
Belarus 0-2 Ukraine
FYR Macedonia 3-2 Luxembourg
Lichtenstein 0-0 Montenegro
Lithuania 1-0 Estonia