The Spanish weren’t the most convincing side in their opening Euro 2016 match against the Czech Republic, but Friday provided La Furia Roja with the opportunity to show just how dangerous they can be, and still are.
Spain dominated from start to finish against Turkey, winning their Group D encounter, 3-0, behind a brilliant all-around performance.
Two goals in a three-minute span gave the defending European champions a lead in the first half, and from there, Spain never looked back. Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for La Furia Roja in the 34th minute off of a cross from Nolito, before the Celta Vigo striker smashed a goal of his own past Turkey keeper Volkan Babacan.
Morata added a second goal and Spain’s third just minutes into the second half, after Jordi Alba slid the 23-year-old forward a pass directly in front of net. There was a question of offsides on Andres Iniesta’s through ball to Alba, but the referee allowed play to continue.
Turkey’s difficulty in finding possession proved to be costly for the team’s attack, as the Crescent-Stars failed to notch a single shot on target in the 90 minutes.
Spain currently top Group D with Friday’s win against Turkey, giving Del Bosque’s team six points in two matches. La Furia Roja will close out group play against Croatia on June 21, while Turkey seeks its first points of the tournament against the Czech Republic.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Spain was looking for more from their attacking duo of Alvaro Morata and Nolito, and while both men stepped up on Friday, it was the former that notched two goals for Vicente del Bosque’s side.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
It took over half an hour for Spain to find the back of the net, but once Morata finished his chance Turkey were doomed for the rest of the afternoon.
MATCH TO FORGET
While Turkey’s backline was broken down time and time again on Friday, Arda Turan and the team’s attack couldn’t keep possession, and consequently, didn’t trouble Spain goalkeeper David de Gea.