Spain staked their claim as tournament favourites with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Turkey in Nice.
A double from Alvaro Morata and a goal from Nolito separated the sides on a day when Spanish movement and passing was on display for the world to see.
The opener was almost identical to the goal that won Spain their first group match against the Czech Republic, only delivered by two different players. Nolito, cutting inside from the left wing, floated a ball into the box for Morata to finish with a cushioned header.
Two minutes later and it was two for La Furia Roja. This time it was Nolito on the end of a lofted ball into the box, not properly cleared by Mehmet Topal, sliding the ball past Volkan Babacan.
Three minutes into the second half and Spain had three. An over lapping run from Jordi Alba was found by Andres Iniesta. With the goal at his mercy the full back squared the ball to his centre forward and Morata made no mistake as Spain became the first team at Euro 2016 to score three.
The Spanish took the foot off the pedal after their third and Turkey grew into the match but never enough to really threaten.
Spain now become the third team to qualify for the knockout rounds leaving Turkey clutching at straws if they are to advance.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how every player on the pitch rated:
Spain
David De Gea – 6 Not a save to make but his positioning was always assured.
Jordi Alba – 8.5 A dominant performance from the left back whose understanding with Nolito caused Turkey all kinds of headaches.
Gerard Pique – 7 Had little to do defensively but looked solid.
Sergio Ramos – 6.5 An early yellow card blighted his performance but led the team from the back.
Juanfran – 7 Outshone by his opposite fullback but another successful performance from the Atleti man.
Sergio Busquets – 7 Recycled the ball well and moved the team forward.
Andres Iniesta – 8.5 Moves the ball better than most players on the planet and displayed his touch and composure yet again.
Cesc Fabregas – 7 Again overshadowed by Iniesta but still had a major part to play. Instrumental in Spain’s second goal.
Nolito – 9 His movement was immense, his time on the ball well spent. An assist and a goal in three first half minutes.
David Silva – 7.5 Sparkled with the ball at his feet. A constant threat down the lesser used right side.
Alvaro Morata – 8.5 Staked his claim as the real goal threat in this side. Two goals laid on a platter for him but taken well.
Substitutes
Bruno Soriano – 6 Made minimal impact with two shots in his 25 minutes.
Koke – 6.5 Slotted in high in place of Silva and caused trouble.
Cesar Azpilicueta – N/A 10 minutes off the bench.
Turkey
Volkan Babacan – 6 Not to blame for any of the goals and made saves to keep his side in it early.
Caner Erkin – 6 The best of the Turkish back four, unable to push forward.
Hakan Balta – 5.5 Under pressure the entire game, made some good last ditch tackles.
Mehmet Topal – 4.5 His error led to the second goal and was too easily passed throughout.
Gokhan Gonul – 4.5 Had no answers for Nolito and Alba.
Oguzhan Ozyakup – 5 Worked well defensively but had limited opportunity to push forward.
Selcuk Inan – 4.5 Overrun in the centre of midfield. Could not contain intelligent Spanish ball movement.
Ozan Tufan – 5.5 Pushed so far back and could not move the ball forward.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 5 Failed to make the impact his talent should provide. Had a free kick that frightened the Spanish but did not do enough on the ball.
Burak Yilmaz – 6.5 The best of the Turkish on the day. Held up the ball well but sloppy with his end product.
Arda Turan – 6 His talent as the best of this generation showed but could not take his team on his back.
Substitutes
Nuri Sahin – 5 Came on at half time and showed no signs as to why he was a better option than Calhanoglu.
Olcay Sahan – 5.5 Put himself about and fought hard.
Yunus Malli – 5.5 25 minutes with little to show for his time.
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