Spain cruise to last 16 after crucial win over Turkey
Spain became the first Group D representative in the last 16 of the 2016 Euro in France following their overwhelming 3-0 victory against Turkey in their second group match early on June 18.
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Morata opened the scoring for La Roja at 34 minutes heading home an accurate cross from Nolito. Earlier, the Juventus striker missed two chances to put Spain ahead with a strike from outside the box blocked by goalkeeper Volkan and another hitting the post.
The advantage was doubled for the defending champions three minutes later as Nolito made use of Turkey’s defensive mistake to fire a close-range strike past Volkan.
Inspired by the goals, the Spanish played confidently and put increasing pressure on Turkey, which paid off with a third goal by Morata three minutes after the break. Iniesta chipped a delightful cross into the box for Jordi Alba who then passed the ball to Morata for an easy finish into the empty net.
The remainder of the match saw a number of scoring opportunities created by Turkey; however, their attacks were not cunning enough to break through Spain’s experienced defensive line.
The 3-0 victory put Spain on top of Group D with six points and officially put them into the last 16 despite having one match to go.
In another Group D game, Croatia drew 2-2 with Czech Republic to remain second with four points.
Italy have become the first team of Group E to book an early place in the knockout round following their narrow 1-0 win against Sweden on June 17 night, which lifted them to top of the group with six points.
