Spain secured a convincing 3-1 home win over Kosovo in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, although goalkeeper Unai Simon made a huge blunder to cost his side a goal.
Dani Olmo gave Spain a deserved lead in the 34th minute with a delicate chip to add to his winner against Georgia in their last game, and Ferran Torres fired in the second goal two minutes later.
Spain looked in total control as they dominated possession but they allowed Kosovo back into the game in the 70th minute when Simon lost the ball after rushing out of his box and Besar Halimi pounced to score from distance.
But the home side restored their two-goal cushion five minutes later after a header from Gerard Moreno, and saw out the win to move top of Group B with seven points after three games.
"I'm very happy with what I saw on the pitch today. We played a great game and our victory was never in doubt," Spain coach Luis Enrique said.
Spain had faced much criticism for their sluggish start to qualifying after a 1-1 home draw with Greece and a scrappy 2-1 victory in Georgia.
After that, Enrique said he was very worried about his side's struggles to break down tight teams intent on defending.
Practically everything clicked into place on Wednesday, as Pedri, 18, pulled the strings in midfield while Ferran and Olmo used their pace to help prise open Kosovo.
After Olmo's chip broke the deadlock, Pedri laid on the pass for Ferran to double Spain's lead with a darting run before firing into the opposite corner of the net.
"We were ruthless in front of goal today but we need to keep on working because there's a lot of room to improve," midfielder Koke said.
"We know people expect a lot of us but there are no easy games at this level. Every team wants to be at the World Cup and no one is winning games comfortably."
Playing with flair and confidence that recalled a young Andres Iniesta, Pedri carved open the visitors again in the second half.
He would have added another assist had Moreno not wasted a clear opportunity by shooting straight at Kosovo keeper Samir Ujkani.
The only sour note for Spain concerned Simon, whose error will start another debate over who should be their number one keeper in the European Championships in June.
The mistake came at a crucial stage in the season for the Athletic Bilbao keeper, who is set to play in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
"Unai should keep doing what he does because he gives me a lot of confidence," Enrique said.
"I don't judge my players for their errors, they are part of this sport. Learning to overcome little mistakes is all part of growing as a player."
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
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Price: On request
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
Celta Vigo 2
Castro (45'), Aspas (82')
Barcelona 2
Dembele (36'), Alcacer (64')
Red card: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
