Spain, Germany win easily in World Cup qualifying

Pedro Rodriguez scored three goals as Spain won 4-0 in Belarus last night, while Germany routed Ireland 6-1 in Dublin. The Netherlands, Russia and Romania also won to stay perfect and England beat San Marino 5-0, leaving all with at least a share of the lead in their groups.

"I was pleased with the way we kept playing football from the first minute to the very last," England manager Roy Hodgson said in an interview with ITV. "Five goals is a good result."

The winners of each of the nine European groups qualify for the World Cup in Brazil, with the best eight runners-up going into a playoff for the remaining four slots, Kazinform has learnt from Bloomberg.

Jordi Alba also scored as Spain made it two wins in two games in Group I. The world champion moves above France, which didn't play, on goal difference in the group. Finland and Georgia tied 1-1 in the group's other match.

Marco Reus and Toni Kroos scored two goals each as Germany improved to nine points in Group C. Sweden rallied to beat the Faroe Islands 2-1 to stay three points behind the Germans, while Kazakhstan and Austria drew 0-0.

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