Leon, Sep 6: Diego Costa, David Silva and Alvaro Morata each scored twice as Spain demolished Liechtenstein 8-0 in the opening Group G qualifier for the 2018 football World Cup.

Spain's first official match under new coach Julen Lopetegui marked the end of Costa's goal drought in international play, as the Chelsea striker made it 1-0 for the hosts with a precision header in the 10th minute here on Monday, reports Efe.

Though the vastly more talented Spain dominated possession from the start, Costa's was the only goal of the first half, as Spain lacked execution in the final third.

That trend carried over into the first few minutes of the second half, but Sergi Roberto's goal in the 55th minute turned out to be the first of four goals in 11 minutes, with strikes by Silva and Vitolo before Costa connected again as the game clock reached 66 minutes.

Morata, who replaced Costa for the final 20 minutes, scored twice in a little more than a minute and Silva got his second in stoppage time to complete the rout.

IANS