Juan Mata and Ukraine

Spain: With eight of 10 matches played, Spain lead on 21 points, two ahead of Slovakia after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Ukraine, who are a further three points behind in third, according to The Guardian. The nine group winners and runners-up, and best third-placed side, qualify directly for the finals in France, while the eight remaining third-placed teams contest playoffs for the last four spots. Juan Mata was the architect of the only goal in the eighth minute when his hopeful cross from the right evaded the flapping Tome Pacovski then cannoned off the far post and back on to the head of the Macedonia goalkeeper and into the net. Chasing a third consecutive European Championship triumph, Spain can make sure of their place with a home win over Luxembourg on 9 October. Mata said: They were aggressive and put a lot of intensity into the game. They play in Ukraine three days later. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.