World Cup qualifier

San Marino 0 - Spain 6

Spain will have to play a tricky play-off match next month to qualify for the World Cup after they finished second to Serbia in their group. Luis Aragonés's side needed to win by more than four goals against San Marino and hope that Bosnia could hold the Serbs to a draw in the other group game. And although Spain got six against their modest opponents, Serbia won 1-0 to finish two points ahead of them in the table. Antonio López gave his side a best possible start with a goal in the first minute, and Fernando Torres added a second ten minutes later after picking up a free kick from Reyes. Sergio Ramos got two more either side of half time, and Torres completed his hat-trick late on. But it was not enough, and Spain (who will be seeded) will have to wait until Friday to see who their opponents will be. Norway, Switzerland and Slovakia are the possible contenders. (12.10.05)

PS. Spain's opponents will be Slovakia, with the first leg at home on 12th November and the return on 16th November. The league program scheduled for November 9th has been swapped with the 26th October fourth round cup ties to enable Luis Aragonés to bring together his squad earlier. (14.10.05)