Illarramendi strike sees Spain finish World Cup Qualifying unbeaten

@Illarra84/Twitter

Illarramendi (left) celebrating with Nacho (middle) and Callejon (right)

ASIER ILLARRAMENDI’S second half stunner saw Spain complete their World Cup Qualifying group unbeaten last night as they laboured to a 1-0 victory over Israel.

Julen Lopetegui made 10 changes to the side that secured a 3-0 win over Albania last Friday and La Roja were unable to produce their usual free-flowing football, but did produce a moment of magic through Illaramendi to settle the tie.

The Real Sociedad star smashed a right footed half-volley into the top corner from 25 yards out to make sure the 2010 World Champions finished their group with nine wins out of 10.

Spain, who had already secured World Cup Qualification with the win over Albania, had the best chance of the first half when Jonathan Vieira played a lovely through-ball to Pedro, but the Chelsea forward could only produce a save from the Israeli ‘Keeper.

Iago Aspas, Marco Asensio and Jonathan Vieira all went close after the break but the game seemed destined for a stalemate before the defining moment from the former Real Madrid player in the 76th minute. 

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