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Matchday 2 continues in Group D, as defending European champions Spain take on Turkey from the French Riviera capital of Nice. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5am (AEST).
One game played, three points taken – the manner of which will matter little to Spain, vying for their third straight European crown.
While Gerard Pique’s late header against the Czech Republic may have spared La Roja a sterner post-game examination, a repeat of that feat against Turkey will see Spain secure passage to the next round.
For now, that will do for a team where the improvements will come once the stakes are raised.
The relief for coach Vicente del Bosque is having an unscathed line-up. Further in La Roja’s favour is boasting a defence that has not conceded in their last 600 minutes at the European Championships. For this, del Bosque’s tactics are perfectly suited to the possession football commonly associated with Spain’s grandest clubs in Barcelona and Real Madrid.
While finding a way past Spain will be difficult, they create issue with their ability to score themselves.
Del Bosque’s starting line-up against the Czechs included Alvaro Morata and Nolito, both of whom were starved for quality ball despite a typically classy display from Andres Iniesta in midfield. While they both may be retained at Nice, they could benefit from Spain playing a little wider, which may see Pedro and Lucas Vazquez start ahead of David Silva and Cesc Fabregas.
Turkish captain Arda Turan may occupy one flank, meaning that crosses could be plentiful, otherwise del Bosque will be resistant to further change, realising Spain’s best hopes rely on keeping tight at the back and taking the minimal chances that arrive.
Turkey were unlucky to lose their opening game courtesy of a superb individual effort from Croatia’s Luka Modric. But if Fatih Terim’s team are to do better than their semi-final finish in 2008, then they need Turan’s and Nuri Sahin’s influence to be telling. Hakan Calhanoglu also must be more assertive in midfield and on setpiece delivery, especially against a defence that can be susceptible to giving away needless fouls.
As far as changes are concerned, Terim may insert an extra man in defensive midfield to nullify Iniesta, which should see Mehmet Topal advance from the central defensive position. In his place, is likely to be Galatasaray’s Semih Kaya.
Against Spain’s likely improvement lies Turkey’s desperation, as anything but victory effectively rules them out of this tournament, especially if Croatia beats Czech Republic in the other Group D game.
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