Belarus have succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Spain in Sunday's Euro 2016 Group C qualifier in Borisov.
Both sides were evenly matched at the Borisov Arena, but despite the hosts' swashbuckling attack and resolute defending, they were undone on the stroke of half time.
An error of judgement from goalkeeper Andrey Gorbunov allowed David Silva to control the ball and lash past the home defenders and into the unguarded net to score the winning goal.
The result means that Spain remain on track to qualify in second place with 15 points - three off group leaders Slovakia - while Belarus are all but out in fourth and 11 points off the pace.
Here is how Sports Mole covered the action.
Good evening folks and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Euro 2016 Group C qualifier between Belarus and Spain!
First thing's first - the team news...
BELARUS STARTING XI: Gorbunov, Shitov, Martynovich, Filipenko, Bordachev, Nekhaychik, Kislyak, Maevski, Volodko, Hleb, Kornilenko
SPAIN STARTING XI: Casillas, Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Busquets, Cazorla, Fabregas, Pedro, Morata, Silva
BELARUS SUBS: Zhevnov, Chernik, Polyakov, Politevich, Dragun, Stasevich, Putilo, Krivets, Laptev, Signevich
SPAIN SUBS: De Gea, Rico, Carvajal, Bartra, San Jose, Bernat, Koke, Nolito, Vidal, Vitolo, Isco, Alcacer
So Belarus make four changes from their 4-2 friendly defeat in Russia last Sunday as Andrei Gorbunov, Maksim Bordachov, Ivan Maevski and Maksim Volodko return to the hosts' starting XI. Star player Alexander Hleb is of course included in the squad, lining up behind Sergey Kornilenko in a 4-4-1-1 formation.
Spain rang the changes in their 2-1 friendly win against Costa Rica just three days ago but they're back to full strength tonight in a game they must win, given that they're not exactly perfectly poised in the group. Well, full strength apart from the injured Andres Iniesta, who has to sit out tonight's game.
It's a huge night for Spain manager Vicente del Bosque - tonight he will be taking charge of his 100th Roja game.
The 64-year-old is already the most successful international coach in Spain's history having led them to their first World Cup title in 2010 as well as the defence of their European Championship crown in 2012 following Luis Aragones's initial triumph in 2008.
Now Del Bosque will go down in the record books as the first Spain boss to reach three figures on the bench - a milestone he could not even dream about originally when he replaced Aragones.
The former Real Madrid boss told Marca of the feat: "It was unthinkable when we took charge. Nobody had managed it, although it's true that before there were fewer games. They have been seven important years in which we've had a lot of luck. We're fortunate people. I didn't think this stage of my life would be so long and successful."
At the risk of being a killjoy, Del Bosque has indeed worked wonders for Spain, but let's not forget that the then-reigning world champions were humbled at last year's World Cup in Brazil, suffering a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of the Netherlands and going out in the group stages, and in these qualifiers, they're in second place and have Ukraine hot on their heels after Mykhaylo Fomenko's charges beat Luxembourg 3-0 earlier in the day.
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PREDICTION: Nevertheless I reckon that Spain will have more than enough to secure a win against Belarus. It won't be easy given that La Roja are playing away against a well-drilled team, but I predict that the visitors' superior class and need to get a result - and thus not get complacent - will see them earn a 2-0 win.
The Spain players are lining up in the tunnel now, just waiting for Belarus's charges to take place alongside them.
Ah, here they are. The Belarusian players, complete with snazzy fonts on the back of their shirts, line up alongside Spain, and the two teams begin to make their way out.
It's a very rainy night here in Borisov. First up we have the Spanish anthem...
And now for Belarus's anthem. Thousands upon thousands of scarves and flags being proudly held up and waved by the home fans.
A massive cheer from the crowd, who are eager to see their boys record what would be a seminal result against one of the greatest teams in the world. Now for the handshakes and other formalities...
KICK-OFF! Here we go then! Belarus against Spain!
CHANCE! And already Spain, in their traditional red, have begun applying the pressure! First Fabregas whips a cross in from the left which whistles across the face of goal, and moments later Pedro is slipped through on goal, but the home goalkeeper just does enough to thwart his opponent.
Some nervy moments for Belarus there but eventually Gorbunov gets his hands on the ball and sets his side on the way into the Spain box.
Now it's the hosts who are asking questions of the Spain defence, as Volodko breaks down the right flank and slips inside to Kornilenko as white shirts charge forwards. He can't quite work the ball to Hleb, but certainly panicky moments for La Roja.
BOOKING: Bordachev is shown a yellow for a tackle on Silva, who tried to weave past the Belarusian defender and got upended for his troubles.
Shitov hauls Alba down on the left byline, gifting Spain a free kick. From the set piece, Fabregas lifts the ball up towards Ramos, who is alone at the back post. The defender can't control his header, though, and the chance is wasted.
CHANCE! Fabregas plays the ball into the onrushing Morata, who latches onto the ball and fires an effort towards the far corner, which flies just wide.
CHANCE! Following Belarus's lively spell, they're now back under the cosh as Pedro finds space on the left-hand side of the goal and fires a shot into Gorbunov's shins.
This is end to end stuff here now. Belarus charge forward once again and show no end of perseverance in the Spain box to try and salvage the ball, but it ultimately goes out. The hosts are trying desperately to slip through the cracks, but the Spanish defence is watertight.
CHANCE! A deep corner from Morata lands perfectly into the path of the onrushing Ramos, whose header is smartly saved by Gorbunov. And as has happened several times in the match already, Spain are caught on the counter as they gift Belarus too much space in the final third. Ultimately the Roja defence does just enough to thwart the danger.
BOOKING: A thrill a minute here as both sides continue to charge forward. Some wonderful passing action from Spain is cut short as Alba is held back by Nekhaychik, who is shown a yellow for his troubles.
Again, the masked Fabregas is elected to take the free kick, this time looking for Busquets, but various Belarus defenders bustle the ball clear.
But back come Spain as Fabregas, on the left by-line, plays in Alba at the edge of the box. The latter then attempts a lob over the defence to Silva, getting clattered by Kislyak in the process. It was to no avail as Silva failed to gather.
PENALTY APPEAL! Silva finds a pocket of space deep in the Belarus box on the left-hand side, and appears to go down under a challenge from Bordachev. Nothing given by the referee in this case.
Belarus counter with a direct ball over the top that finds Kornilenko in the box, but the striker's body is not well positioned and the resulting effort is punched away by Casillas.
CHANCE! Wow! That could have been an absolute worldie from Alba! The ball is crossed from Cazorla in midfield over to the left-hand side of the box, where the wingback connects with a first-time beast of a volley - just wide though!
CHANCE! Pedro charges through midfield, finds his way into the box, then slides back to Cazorla who attempts a low, placed shot towards centre of goal, making it easy for Gorbunov.
It's worth mentioning that Iker Casillas is playing his 162nd game for Spain - that takes him from joint ninth to ninth in the list of the most capped players in world football. What an achievement!
Five minutes until half time and this has been an exhilarating first half, both sides engaging in swashbuckling attacking football but also backing it up in defence. Spain have had the best of the play but the Belarus goalkeeper hasn't been particularly tested.
Another chance for Spain, again from a corner, and again Ramos is unable to direct his header, this time arriving at the near post.
The home crowd are playing their part, upping the volume whenever the hosts charge forward, and they've been rewarded with a great display from their boys.
One last chance for Spain in the half? A free kick from the left hand side, a pretty good position...
GOAL! BELARUS 0-1 SPAIN (DAVID SILVA)
And La Roja take the lead right on the stroke of half time! A clanger from Gorbunov as he charges forward from the free kick in a bid to punch the ball away, but he finds himself stranded with the ball falling to Silva, who makes no mistake firing into a virtually empty net for his third goal in five games!
HALF TIME: BELARUS 0-1 SPAIN
Heartbreak for Belarus as they were more than worthy of being level at half time, and Gorbunov was a safe pair of hands right up until the 45th minute, making a bad call with regards to Fabregas's free kick and leaving Silva with an opportunity that he could not, and did not, miss.
A very good first half of football from both sides, mind, who attacked intensely and defended excellently. Belarus were not at all spooked by their title-holding opponents and gave as good as they got.
Spain have edged this one in terms of possession and chances, but Belarus were good value and well poised for a goalless draw at the break. However, up stepped Silva on the stroke of half time to make the most of Gorbunov's error of judgement and put the defending European champions in front.
Slovakia are also leading against Macedonia, 2-0 as it stands, so Del Bosque will be delighted to see his team doing the business so far.
Belarus have not been holding back when it comes to challenges and tackles in this game - the Spain players must have been having flashbacks to the 2010 World Cup final at certain points!
Will the floodgates now open for Spain to exploit in Borisov, or can Belarus regroup, stay focused and try to find that extra edge in the final third to reduce the deficit or even come from behind? Stay tuned to Sports Mole and all will be unveiled!
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KICKOFF: The players are back out on the pitch and Belarus get the second half underway.
Belarus begin the second half with intent and win a free kick in the Spain half after a Fabregas foul, but the resulting free kick from Kornilenko is pretty audacious and ultimately well wide.
Kornilenko must have been around 35 yards out - you don't just go for it from that distance. A wasted chance to at least try and cause some panic in the Spain back line.
OFFSIDE! Belarus have been rampant in this second half so far, with Kornilenko forcing an excellent last-ditch save from Casillas after being slipped through on goal by Hleb, but the whistle had already gone when Volodko received the ball in the box and fired home moments later.
The goalmouth action may have slowed down following that explosive start but both sides are still going for it, driving forward and trying to carve out chances.
CHANCE/BOOKING: Morata, who's had a decent game, drills a low snapshot from 20 yards that Gorbunov smothers down by his near post. Moments later he is booked for a challenge on Kislyak in the middle of the park.
CHANCE! What a wasted opportunity by Belarus! From the corner, Bordachev latches onto the ball in the box. He then takes too long, cutting inside, but his effort is miskicked and soars high and wide of target. The crowd had their hearts in their mouths just then!
Belarus are intent on getting something from this game. Volodko claims the ball and marauds through the midfield before attempting to play in Kornilenko, but he can't quite feed the ball through to him.
BOOKING: Pedro tussles with Bordachev and appears to hit him across the face with his hand. He escapes with a booking, but that could have easily been a dismissal.
CHANCE! The temperature is rising here in Borisov as Kornilenko and Ramos collide towards the right flank. Moments later Maevski charges towards the right-hand side of Spain's final third and lets rip with a gorgeous curled shot that Casillas acrobatically palms away.
CHANCE! As with Bordachev's earlier miss, Morata bustles into the box and finds himself with the ball just at the right of the Belarus goal, but he takes way too long to do something with it and ends up having to pass it back, where Fabregas's desperate effort from outside the box soars over the bar.
SUBSTITUTION: The visitors make the first chance of the game as Pedro is swapped over for Vitolo.
Four attempts by Belarus, 14 by Spain - but that doesn't tell the full story. The hosts have been more than a match for their higher-ranked opponents.
Vitolo lofts the ball over to Fabregas on the left-hand side of the Belarus box. The Chelsea man salvages it just before it goes out of play, but it proves just too difficult for him to test Gorbunov from such a tight angle.
CHANCE! More end-to-end action in this game as Belarus carve Spain open but find themselves dispossessed at the last, and the visitors break in dynamic fashion through Vitolo, who sets up Silva on the right. The Manchester City man's shot is then deflected by Marynovitch for a corner.
CHANCE! From the corner, the ball finds its way to Cazorla on the edge of the box and level with the right-hand post. The Arsenal man cracks a low drive towards goal, but Gorbunov does well to scramble across his goalline and palm clear.
SUBSTITUTION: A second change for Spain as Fabregas comes off in place of Isco.
Spain appear content to sit deeper but they should not rest on their laurels - Belarus are more than capable of causing no end of trouble in the visitors' final third.
SUBSTITUTION: Now it's Belarus's turn to make a change as Kislyak is subbed off, Dragun taking his place.
Silva has been outstanding tonight - he tries to do all the work himself, charging into the Belarus box and weaving past the defence, but he is eventually crowded out and forced to play it back. Spain are stepping it up a gear again - a second goal for them would certainly settle their nerves.
SUBSTITUTION: Second change for Belarus - Volodko off, Stasevich on.
Probably the most unexciting period of the game as Spain take their foot off the gas and employ their traditional tiki-taka game, passing the ball among themselves calmly with little intention of pushing forward. They're a little sloppy at times though, as the Belarusian players remain hot on their heels.
CHANCE! Maybe I was wrong - Spain just sliced through the Belarus defence with a wonderful lofted ball from Isco over to Vitolo, who cuts back for Silva. He's perfectly poised to score - but Gorbunov pulls off a save right out of the top drawer to deny his opponent.
BOOKING: Clearly frustration from Silva as he upends Filipenko before being shown a yellow for his troubles.
SUBSTITUTION: Silva's yellow is the last action of his game as he is replaced by Bernat.
Isco, in plenty of space, finds Vitolo down the right. The Sevilla man charges into the box, but Martynovich slides into a superb saving tackle to thwart his attempted ball to Morata.
SUBSTITUTION: A late change for Belarus as Putsila comes on for the talismanic Hleb.
The referee indicates a minimum of five minutes of stoppage time.
Stasevich, in plenty of space down the left flank, sends a dangerous cross-cum-shot curling towards Casillas's goal, but the veteran goalkeeper catches the ball with little difficulty. Good composure from the 162-cap stopper.
Belarus huffing and puffing in a bid to carve out a chance in the Spain box, but the Roja defence is made of bricks here. They shall not pass.
Spain are still attacking, and Morata finds space on the left of the box, firing a shot that Gorbunov punches into the air. Vitolo then gets into position to fire into the empty net as the ball drops, but the Belarusian keeper recovers to clear.
FULL TIME: BELARUS 0-1 SPAIN
So there you have it. On a wet and damp night in Borisov, Belarus gave as good as they got against the double European champions, but ultimately it was a slip-up that gave Spain the win.
Just as it looked like Belarus would be goalless at the break, an error of judgement from goalkeeper Andrey Gorbunov, rushing out to meet a Cesc Fabregas free kick and getting stranded among a mass of bodies in the box, saw the ball fall to David Silva, who controlled and lashed past the home defenders and into the net to score what would be the winning goal.
As is often the case, Gorbunov had a fantastic game otherwise, spectacularly keeping out a number of goalbound efforts and giving his side hope right until the final whistle. As it is, Spain secure all three points to cement their hold on second place in Group C, three points behind Slovakia but, crucially, three points above Ukraine. Spain had to win, and they did just enough.
The live commentary is coming to an end, but Sports Mole is on hand to bring you detailed match analysis and player ratings from this game, as well as reports from all the day's other matches. Thank you for joining us and enjoy what remains of the weekend!
Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte
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