Spain Edges Closer to World Cup Spot as Belgium Faces Further Delay

Spain virtually clinched their World Cup berth through a dominant 4-0 defeat of Georgia on Saturday, though Turkey postponed their festivities with a slim 2-0 triumph over Bulgaria.

Marko Arnautovic's two goals propelled Austria to a 2-0 success on the road against Cyprus, bringing them nearer to World Cup appearance since 1998.

However, Belgium squandered an opportunity to lock in their finals place following a 1-1 stalemate against Kazakhstan.

Mikel Oyarzabal claimed a double as Spain preserved their unblemished qualifying run by overwhelming Georgia in Tbilisi.

The Real Sociedad striker Oyarzabal netted first from the penalty spot in the 11th minute after Giorgi Gocholeishvili handled Ferran Torres's delivery.

Martin Zubimendi made it two for the European title holders on 22 minutes, finishing unmarked from Fabian Ruiz's pass.

Torres sealed the match ten minutes shy of halftime by tapping in Oyarzabal's cross.

Torres returned the assist soon after the hour for Oyarzabal's second strike.

This solid win positioned Spain three points clear of Turkey atop Group E, boasting a far better goal tally.

Turkey would need an extraordinary seven-goal win in Spain on Tuesday to snatch direct qualification from La Roja.

Spain have netted 19 times across five outings without leaking any.

Hakan Calhanoglu put Turkey ahead via penalty in the 18th minute after a handball, yet the home side struggled to build on it in Bursa until Atanas Chernev deflected a cross beyond his keeper Dimitar Mitov with seven minutes left.

Belgium Nearly There Yet Stalled

Austria, much like Spain, nears finals qualification and might seal it later Saturday if Bosnia loses to Romania domestically, or by not falling to Bosnia on Tuesday.

Belgium's path to qualification hangs by a thread after drawing with Kazakhstan, but facing Liechtenstein at home next, who have dropped every game thus far, offers a straightforward finish.

Belgium trailed from the ninth minute courtesy of Dastan Satpaev's effort but equalised shortly into the second period via Hans Vanaken.

They hold first in Group J on 15 points, two clear of North Macedonia and Wales, the latter prevailing 1-0 at Liechtenstein to sustain their direct hopes.

Jordan James tallied the sole strike on 61 minutes, and with Wales entertaining North Macedonia Tuesday, they sit favourably for playoffs at worst, though victory is key to leapfrogging for second.