David scores as former champs remain on course to book World Cup place with 4-1 win against Israel
Spain's David Silva is jubilant after scoring the opener against Israel in Gijon on Friday. Pic/AFP
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Madrid: Spain remained well on course to book their place at the World Cup in Russia as David Silva conducted another clinical win over Israel, cementing the 2010 world champions’ upturn in fortunes under Julien Lopetegui.
After the routine 4-1 win in Gijon on Friday the former goalkeeper is unbeaten in his seven games as national boss since replacing veteran Vicente del Bosque.
Vitolo, Diego Costa and Isco added further goals for the hosts, leaving Israel — who grabbed a consolation through Lior Refaelov — to recover for their crucial home clash with Albania on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Italy kept pace with Spain in European World Cup qualifying as goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon played his 1,000th professional match in a 2-0 victory over Albania on Friday.
A first-half Daniele De Rossi penalty and late second from Ciro Immobile was enough to earn the Azzurri three points.