Spain were made to work for all three points during their 1-0 win over a stubborn Czech Republic. Now they face Turkey, who are desperate to rebound from their opening loss to Croatia as they look to avoid an early exit.
Spain’s cutting edge
The biggest question mark over Spain surrounds their forward line. In their opening game, they enjoyed an incredible 70% possession and spent the entire game laying siege to the Czech Republic’s goal. However, for all their huffing and puffing, they could not blow down the resolute opposition wall, as the efforts of Tomas Sivok and Roman Hubnik kept them at bay for 87 minutes. Only Andres Iniesta’s inch-perfect cross and Gerard Pique’s powerful header proved the difference on the scoreboard, as the underdogs spent most of the game frustrating the Spanish.
Iniesta remarked afterwards patience is needed against teams who sit back, an approach Turkey may well favour, but Spain had chances to lead before Pique’s late header and did not take them. All the possession in the world means nothing if that dominance does not convert to the scoreboard, and it is unlikely Spain will want to carry on winning games the way they did in their opening match.
READ MORE: Euro 2016 – Group D Match Preview – Spain vs Turkey
Can Turkey offer anything going forward?
Against Croatia, the Turks spent most of their time on the back foot, which is not exactly ideal when they were chasing the game. Although their opponents were bit the bar twice, they were also deined by some excellent defensive work from Mehmat Topal and Hakan Balta, who ensured the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic were never given time or space. However, the rest of their side struggled to make an impact on the game and Croatia were barely troubled. The midfield trio of Ozan Tufan, Oguzhan Ozyakup and Selkak Inan were all kept quiet and failed to worry the opposition. Turkey’s two most creative players, Arda Turan and Hakan Calhanoglu, were effectively shackled by the Croatians, and should expect similar treatment against Spain. Meanwhile, strikers Cenk Tosun and Burak Yilmaz were stifled by a physical defence, who did not allow them a sight on goal. If Turkey want to progress to the next stage, they have to threaten more in attack and test out the Spanish defence, who barely raised a sweat against the Czech Republic.
Turkey start with their backs against the wall
They were outmatched and fairly beaten against Croatia, and it does not look like Turkey will find it any easier against Spain. After the opening loss, they desperately need something out of this game to keep up their hopes of qualification. Anything other than a loss will be celebrated by the Turks, as it looks most likely their best chance of progressing will come courtesy of being one of the best third placed teams. While a draw against the reigning champions is a tough ask, as the Czech Republic proved, the Spanish can be frustrated and made to work for the win. At the absolute least, Turkey needs a good performance to give them confidence heading into what may be a do-or-die clash with the Czechs. The likes of Turan, Calhanoglu and Ozyakup were almost anonymous against Croatia – now is the time for them to step up if Turkey stand any chance of qualifying for the next stage.
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