Spain, Portugal and Italy snag World Cup qualifier victories

Newscast Media SAO PAOLO—Spain and Italy have taken important steps towards qualifying for next summer's World Cup in Brazil. England, Portugal and Belgium also grabbed important wins, while France and the Netherlands were held to draws.

Spain earned a 2-0 win in Finland Friday, with goals from Jordi Alba and Alvaro Negredo. The defending World and European champions are now three points ahead of France, who drew 0-0 with Georgia, and leading Group I with 14 points.

Alberto Gilardino's header proved the winner for Italy in their away match versus Bulgaria. The Italians are now seven points clear in Group B with three matches to play.

England beat Moldova 4-0 at home, with a Danny Welbeck brace following early goals from Steven Gerard and Rickie Lambert. The win puts them atop Group H with 15 points, ahead of Montenegro – who drew 1-1 with Poland – on goal difference with a game in hand. Ukraine kept their qualification hopes alive with a 9-0 victory against San Marino, giving them 14 points.

Last week's Union of European Football Associations World Cup qualifying results are:

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