Shkoder, October 10 : Spain overcame Albania 2-0 in an away qualifier here to keep their campaign on track to qualify for the 2018 World Cup football tournament in Russia.
The victory in the Loro Borici Stadium here on Sunday evening came thanks to second half goals from Diego Costa and Nolitio, putting Spain in a strong position within the group as they also tied Italy in the an earlier away qualifier, reports Xinhua.
Lopetegui drafted Nacho Montreal straight into his side after the Arsenal defender replaced Jordi Alba on Friday and he took his place in a three-man defense alongside Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos as Spain looked to pack the midfield.
Although Diego Costa was the only specialist striker on the pitch, Koke, David Silva, Andres Iniesta and Vitolo all had a free reign to attack with the result that the Spanish penned Albania back in their penalty area.
Cameroon draw with Algeria
Cameroon drew 1-1 with Algeria in their away match of the 2018 World Cup qualifier here.
Algeria, coached by Serbian Milovan Rajevac, made the opener through striker El Arbi Hillal Soudani in the seventh minute on Sunday evening before Benjamin Moukandjo equalized for the Indomitable Lions 17 minutes later, reports Xinhua.
Earlier in the day, Nigeria managed to secure a precious away win against Zambia 2-1, as the Super Eagles stand on top of Group 8 with three points, followed by Cameroon and Algeria with 1 point each, while Zambia is fourth with no points.
The second round of the Group B campaign is due on November 12, as Nigeria will host Algeria, while Zambia travels to Yaounde to face Cameroon.
