Morata magic sends spellbinding Spain through- Spain v Turkey EURO 2016

Group D

Spain 3-0 Turkey

Alvaro Morata netted a brace tonight between a Nolito strike against Turkey tonight in Nice to send Spain through to the second round of EURO 2016

Just like their opening game against the Czech Republic, Spain dominated the first half and almost went ahead after 11 minutes when Hakan Balka’s attempted block directed the ball onto his own post.Gerard Pique, who was the hero against the Czechs then headed the resulting corner over the bar.However unlike Monday, Spain did not have to wait until the death to grab a deserved opener.The holders took the lead in the 34th minute when Morata perfectly directed Nolito’s cross past Volkan Babacan from 10 yards.

Morata sends the ball into the top corner.
Morata sends the ball into the top corner.

Three minutes later Cesc Fabergas lofted the ball over the Turkish defence. Mehmet Topal’s attempted clearance fell to Nolito who made no mistake in sliding it past Babacan. The Turks made it to the break trailing by just two but looked to be in serious trouble.

Nolito capitalizes on poor Turkish defending.
Nolito capitalizes on poor Turkish defending.

Just three minutes into the second period Spain were celebrating their third goal. Andres Iniesta slipped the ball into Jordi Alba who had timed his run in behind the Turkish defence. The left-back was unselfish and slid the ball to Morata who tapped it home from six yards out to complete a 22 pass move. Morata nearly completed his hat-trick a minute later but he headed wide before Burak Yilmaz, Turkey’s only change from their 1-0 opening defeat to Croatia, blazed a fine chance over.

Morata taps in his second.
Morata taps in his second.

David Silva next went close twice on the hour as the Spaniards broke out the exhibition football and replacement Bruno Soriano had his 68th-minute drive pushed wide by Babacan. Olcay Sahan was denied a late consolation by substitute Cesar Azpilicueta with Spain superior in every department. Spain were rarely troubled tonight and became the first side to score three goals in a game in this years championship. Turkish fans were clearly unhappy tonight and targeted captain Arda Turan repeatedly booing him when he received possession of the ball. The midfielder sarcastically gave them a thumbs up but tonight’s incident adds to the grilling he received in the media following their opening defeat.

Spain are now through to the last sixteen and sit at the top of the group with six points. Croatia sit in second on four points following their eventful draw with the Czech Republic today. The 2008 and 2012 champions Spain once again look to be real contenders for a third straight title.

Man of the Match – Andres Iniesta (Spain)

Substitutions

Spain

  • Bruno Soriano replaces David Silva 64 mins
  • Koke replaces Cesc Fabergas 71 mins
  • Cesar Azpilicueta replaces Jordi Alba 81 mins

Turkey

  • Nuri Sahin replaces Hakan Calhanoglu 46 mins
  • Olcay Sahan replaces Oguzhan Ozyakup 62 mins
  • Yunus Malli replaces Selcuk Inan 70 mins

Yellow cards:

Spain – Sergio Ramos.

Turkey – Burak Yilmaz,Ozan Tufan.

 

 

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