By DPA
Vaduz (Liechtenstein) : Spain moved up to joint top of Euro 2008 qualifying group F with a comfortable 2-0 win away to Liechtenstein.
The latest win Wednesday leaves Spain joint top with Sweden, both on 15 points.
However, Sweden will almost certainly be given three more points Friday by UEFA, as a result of their game away to Denmark last Saturday being abandoned. Northern Ireland are now third on 13 points, Denmark fifth on eight.
Spain's hero in rainy Vaduz was Valencia striker David Villa, who scored both goals early on – but then failed to complete his hat-trick. In injury time Villa blasted a penalty against the crossbar.
"I should have scored more tonight," said Villa, "all should have scored more goals."
"We played quite well, and are now on a really good run."
Villa caught the local defence cold at the start of the one-sided game. In the seventh minute he was put through by Andres Iniesta, and calmly rounded Jehle to score.
Just six minutes later Villa made it 2-0 with probably the night's most spectacular goal across Europe, a handsome bicycle kick off a centre from Valencia teammate David Silva.
Villa has now scored 12 goals in 23 international appearances. It seemed that Spain were about to run up a cricket score, but they then lost their rhythm until the final half hour.
Franz Burgmeier almost pulled a goal back for Liechtenstein in the 61st minute, against the run of play, but his shot hit the Spanish crossbar.
The visitors upped the temp towards the end, with Cesc Fabregas and substitutes Roberto Soldado and Luis Garcia coming close to adding a third.
Villa was keen to complete his hat-trick. In the 89th minute he should have scored but was foiled by Jehle. In stoppage time, the keeper brought him down for a clear penalty – but Villa lifted his head and planted his spot-kick against the crossbar.
A hat-trick for the star man would have been an appropriate end to the match, but Villa's cake was not destined to be iced.