Summer signing Nolito made an immediate impact from the bench for Spain – scoring within five minutes of entering the game just after the hour mark as La Roja beat Albania 2-0.
Manager Julen Lopetegui couldn’t have asked for a better impact from the City striker. The 29 year old put the game beyond Albania after David Silva provided the assist for Diego Costa’s opener with a clever cut into the box from the left before calmly slotting the ball into the opposite corner.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s strike for Nigeria was also a stand out moment of the day as the Super Eagles began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Zambia. The City youngster linked up well with countryman and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi throughout and it was the latter who put Nigeria ahead in the 32nd minute.
Iheanacho made it 2-0 ten minutes later- showing great composure to round the keeper and slot home from a tight angle.
Aleksandar Kolarov was involved in a high-scoring affair with Serbia who came out as 3-2 winners against Austria. The City left-back provided the vital assist for Southampton’s Dusan Tadic 15 minutes from the end after failing to hold onto the lead twice.
Oleksander Zinchenko also impressed in his national colours as Ukraine beat Kosovo in a convincing 3-0 victory. The 19 year old midfielder, currently out on loan with PSV Eindhoven was the provider for Artem Kravet’s goal to break the deadlock and received a warm reception when substituted on the hour mark.
Read all the latest international action from our Man City squad.
