News Sports Soccer Spain beats Belarus, 1 point away from World Cup

Spain beats Belarus, 1 point away from World Cup

Palma de Mallorca, Spain: Xavi Hernandez and Alvaro Negredo scored second-half goals to give Spain a 2-1 win over Belarus on Friday, leaving the world and European champions one point away from sealing their place


Belarus' disciplined defense held Spain to one shot on target in the first half, but Spain's insistence led to Xavi scoring the 61st-minute opener before substitute Negredo added a second goal in the 78th.
   
Substitute Sergei Kornilenko snatched a consolation goal for last-place Belarus on the break in the 89th.
   
The victory gave Spain 17 points in Europe Group I. France has 14 before both play on Tuesday.