Madrid, April 1: Spain cruised past Kosovo 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier that attracted more attention off the field because of Spain’s non-recognition of the visiting country.
The game in Seville was played in accordance to UEFA etiquette, with Kosovo’s national anthem played before the match.
But on television, Spain’s national broadcaster disregarded normal protocol by not mentioning Kosovo as a country and using lowercase letters for “kos” in its graphics despite using “ESP” in uppercase letters for the hosts. Spain does not recognize Kosovo’s 2008 independence from Serbia.
Spain captain Sergio Ramos was again left out of the starting lineup and came off the bench only near the end to give him 180 international appearances.
Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Spain in the 34th minute and Ferran Torres added to the lead in the 36th before Kosovo pulled one back through Besar Halimi’s long-range shot in the 70th after Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón lost possession while trying to play the ball far outside his area.
Gerard Moreno sealed Spain’s victory off a corner kick in the 75th. Greece, which drew 1-1 with Georgia in the other group match on Wednesday, stayed in third place with two points, one more than Georgia.
Roberto Mancini’s halftime changes made an immediate impact as Italy won 2-0 in Lithuania to take control of Group C with its third straight victory in World Cup qualifying.
Substitute Stefano Sensi scored three minutes after the break and Italy had numerous chances to extend its advantage, but Lithuania goalkeeper Tomas Švedkauskas kept his side in the game until Ciro Immobile converted a stoppage-time penalty.
Italy moved three points ahead of idle Switzerland atop the group as the Azzurri remained on pace to reach the 2022 tournament in Qatar — having failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Northern Ireland and Bulgaria now have a point apiece after drawing 0-0. Lithuania remained on zero points.
The Azzurri, who have also qualified for the Nations League final four, extended their unbeaten streak overall to 25 games. (AP)
