World Cup qualifier

Belgium 0 - Spain 2

Two goals in three minutes from Fernando Torres took Spain a step closer to a place in next summer's World Cup. With Serbia and Bosnia winning earlier in the day, Luis Aragonés's side needed a victory themselves against Belgium to be virtually sure of finishing in the top two. But they were under pressure early on, and could have gone behind had Goor, Vanden Borre and Buffel been able to find the target. Gradually though they worked their way back, Albelda and Raúl going close before the half time whistle. Ten minutes in to the second half Aragonés decided to dispense with his wingers to bring on two new forwards, Reyes and Villa, and it proved to be the turning point of the match. Within four minutes Reyes had set up Fernando Torres twice for him to beat Proto, and after that there was no return for the hosts. Spain now only have to beat minnows San Marino in their last game to finish as runners up, and if Serbia don't beat Bosnia on the same day they could even win the group. There were relieved faces all round. (08.10.05)