By DPA
Riga : A 2-0 win away to Latvia has left third-placed Spain just one point behind joint leaders Sweden and Northern Ireland in European Championship qualifying group F.
Sweden and Northern Ireland have 13 points from six games, Spain – who have won their last three games – now have 12.
Spain Saturday dominated from start to finish but needed a bit of luck with both goals. The first was an own goal from Latvian defender Arturs Zakreshevskis in the 44th minute, heading in a centre from Miguel Angel Angulo.
The second goal came in the 60th minute, when a long shot from Xavi Hernandez hit Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta and went in.
Spain had no less than 22 shots at goal but only scored thanks to those two pieces of good fortune.
Latvia's plan was to contain the visitors and hit them on the break. Getafe striker Maris Verpakovskis was completely alone in attack and only had one clear chance, in the 57th minute, just before the decisive second Spanish goal.