Winning starts for Alaba and Thiago

David Alaba and his Austrian team-mates have made a successful start to World Cup qualifying, a 2-1 victory over Georgia. In his 50th appearance for Austria the FCB pro set up Martin Hinteregger's opener from a set-piece on the quarter-hour. Mark Janko doubled the lead before the interval. Jano Ananidze scored Georgia's consolation goal with ten minutes to go. Austria are level on points with leaders Wales but lie second on goal difference in Group D after the Welshmen won 4-0 against Moldova.

Goal fest for Spain

Thiago and Spain turned in an impressive display. La Roja lived up to their billing as overwhelming favourites, beating Liechtenstein 8-0 at home. Sergi Roberto, Vitolo and double scorers Diego Costa, David Silva and Alvaro Morata netted for Spain. Bayern pro Thiago featured in the starting line-up and played 45 minutes. The victory means Spain top Group G, equal on points with Italy, who won 3-1 away to Israel.