Football
ESPN staff 7y

Julen Lopetegui says 'close not worth anything' as Spain near qualification

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui urged his side to push on after moving within striking distance of World Cup qualification with an 8-0 win in Liechtenstein on Tuesday.

Alvaro Morata and Iago Aspas led the way with two goals apiece, with Sergio Ramos, Isco, David Silva also on the scoresheet along with an Maximilian Goppel own goal.

La Roja are three points clear at the top of Group G above Italy with just two matches remaining against Albania and Israel, but Lopetegui said the job is not yet done.

"Being close is not worth anything," he told reporters. "In October we have to make two big matches.

"In every game you draw conclusions or interesting information."

Against the underpowered minnows Spain pushed forward constantly as Lopetegui used just three defenders in his lineup, and the coach said he was pleased to see the side's versatility.

"It is not the first time we've have played this way, we have to find offensive solutions in certain games," Lopetegui said.

"We have to manage two or three options, but without changing the style, because that's what makes our players unique."

Lopetegui also said he was happy to avoid any frustrations as Ramos opened the scoring within three minutes.

"The difference between the national teams was huge and we did what we set out to do," he said. "We wanted to play like a serious team and kill the game off early... We achieved that with Ramos' goal.

"After that, we scored a second, which gave us the necessary calmness to play how we did. Scoring in the first minute gives you that calmness, which paved the way for us. You can face surprises in games like these."

Asked about the performance of Aspas, Lopetegui said: "It's good that players like him are scoring, gaining confidence and feeling that they've had their chance.

"I wish more could've played. Those who have been with us for these 10 days and haven't played have still helped us a lot, and I want to highlight them as part of this group. I stand by the attitude of these players."

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