Malta: Bonello; Mbong (Rowen Muscat 65’), Zach Muscat, Caruana (Micallef 85’), Borg, Zerafa; Mintoff (Mifsud 69’), Fenech, Guillaumier, Corbolan; Nwoko. 5-4-1.
Spain: Kepa; Sergi Roberto, Sergio Ramos, Mario Hermoso, Gayá; Saúl Ñíguez (Jesús Navas 65‘), Rodri, Canales; Marco Asensio, Morata (Rodrigo 79’), Bernat (Muniain 56‘). 4-3-3.
Goals:
0-1. 31. Morata. Ran on to Hermoso pass and turned shot past Bonello.
0-2. 73. Morata. Got clear of markers to head Navas cross wide of keeper.
Yellow cards: Corbolan 72’.
Spain end the first round of qualifiers at the top of their group after a 0-2 victory over Malta on Tuesday. The last time these two sides met in the European championship was in 1983, when Spain put twelve past their opponents to qualify for the finals, and the son of the goalkeeper from that match was between the sticks for the hosts this time around. However this was a different story, and Bonello was only beaten once in the first half when Morata turned a shot past him after Hermoso put him through. Luis Enrique was absent for personal reasons, but he made eight changes from the side which beat Norway, and although they dominated for most of the game, they only scored once more, Morata heading in a cross from Jesús Navas for his second of the evening. That was enough though, and Spain are already looking good for one of the top two spots, and a place in next year’s finals.