World Cup qualifier

Belgium 1 - Spain 2

Spain took a big step towards a place in the 2010 World Cup with a late 1-2 win in Belgium. Vicente Del Bosque's side started badly on a rainy night in Brussels, Sonck heading past Casillas in only the seventh minute to end the team's seven match run without letting in a goal. A few minutes later Torres limped off injured, but shortly before half time his replacement Fábregas sent Iniesta away for the Barcelona midfielder to dance through the defence and beat Stijnen from a wide angle.

As the second half progressed the locals fell back to protect the scoreline, but Del Bosque went for broke, bringing on Güiza for the last five minutes. And a couple of minutes later the Fenerbahçe striker crossed in for David Villa to head home the winner, consolidating Spain's lead at the top with maximum points from their first four games. News that their next rival Turkey had been held to a draw in Estonia was the icing on the cake. (15.10.08)