Hat-trick for Rodriguez

Pedro Rodriguez scored three goals and set up another to give Spain a 4-0 victory in Belarus last night as the world champions won their 24th straight qualifying match ahead of Tuesday’s home clash with France.

Left back Jordi Alba got things rolling for Spain after just 12 minutes as he knocked home a pass from Rodriguez, who doubled the visitors’ lead at Dinamo stadium nine minutes later.

The Barcelona forward added two more goals in the 69th and 72nd minutes to seal the comfortable win.

Spain top the group on goal difference from France, with both sides on six points, and Tuesday’s game is likely to go a long way to determining which side secures automatic qualification for Brazil.

In the other game in Group I, Georgia drew 1-1 in Finland.