International football round-up: Spain thrash World Cup finalists Croatia 6-0

Spain 6 Croatia 0

World Cup finalists Croatia were brought back down to earth last night in dramatic fashion against Spain.

The Uefa Nations League clash at the Estadio Martinez Valero in Elche saw Spain score six as Croatia suffered their worst-ever defeat.

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Goals from Saul Niguez, Marco Asensio, Rodrigo, Sergio Ramos, Isco and an own goal from Croatia keeper Lovre Kalinic secured the win. Spain are now top of Nations League A group 4 with six points from their opening two games.

Enrique’s side also beat England 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday. The new Spain boss would have been delighted with his squad’s progress this week.

The Guardian’s Sid Lowe said: “Spain were unleashed and the goals kept coming. There was speed and intent, enjoyment too. There was something else now. Spain were something else.”

Northern Ireland 3 Israel 0

Northern Ireland responded to Saturday’s 2-1 Nations League defeat against Bosnia-Herzegovina with a comfortable victory against Israel in Belfast.

Michael O’Neill’s side went into the half-time break 2-0 up after goals from captain Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas.

In the second half, substitute Gavin Whyte added a third goal on his international debut. The BBC reports that Whyte scored with his first touch just 106 seconds after coming on to the pitch.

Richarlison stars for Brazil

Everton forward Richarlison hit the target twice as Brazil beat El Salvador 5-0. Neymar (penalty), Philippe Coutinho and Marquinhos also scored for the Samba Boys.

President Weah plays for Liberia aged 51

Liberia President George Weah, the former AC Milan star and 1995 Ballon d’Or winner, played 79 minutes for his country in a friendly against Nigeria.

The 51-year-old was sworn in as Liberia’s president in January and the match was held to retire the No.14 shirt he used to wear. Nigeria won the match 2-1.

It was quite a night for the Weah family with the president’s son Timothy also in international action. The 18-year-old started for the US in their 1-0 win against Mexico.