be a tough match as part of its Group V World Cup 2010 qualifying rounds.
TURKEY was a semi-finalist in the last Euro 2008 tournament & are a class
act, & it showed tonight in the way they set up their strategy & game plan.
However, Spain is a finely tuned machine & managed to tire & open up the
Turks in one of the few chances that they had to score the only goal of the
game & win 1-0.
The 1st half saw Turkey apply what it had learnt from studying Spain on video;
a tight defence, a midfield well organized to pressure Spain’s play makers Xavi
Hernandez & Xabi Alonso, to then open up the wings for the counter-attacks.
The plan nearly paid off early as Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas had to make
two vital saves in the first 10 minutes that if the ball had gone in SFS maybe
writing about something totally different. The Spanish team were uncomfortable
without the ball & Turkish players Senturk, Nihat & Tuncay were causing
headaches. But Spain with its experience & patience held out the first half
knowing that the next 45 min were still up for grabs if they stayed loyal to their
playing philosophy.
(Pique scores 60th min)
It was just this, the beginning of the 2nd half that saw Spain regain control
of the ball thanks to the extreme physical effort put in by the Turks that
opened up spaces. In an individual play by Fernando Torres, that had to be
fouled, the free kick was to give its fruit. Xavi took & placed it in the way of
Sergio Ramos alone behind the defence who knocked it into the path of
PIQUE who scored his first International goal & the winner in the 60th min.
This changed everything, as now Turkey had to chase the ball while Spain
played around in its usual brilliant & skilful manner unnerving the opposition.
The gaps appeared & Spain continued dominating. With the next game on
Wednesday in mind Spain made substitutes changing Villa for debutant
MATA, Carzorla for SILVA & Torres for LLORENTE. More chances came
Spain’s way with a special mention to an incredible save by the Turkish
goalie from a Xabi Alonso crack-shot.
A great & hard fought win to Spain who were pushed by a competent &
serious Turkish side that deserve a mention & same of its players who were
outstanding: Aurelio, Tuncay, Sentuk & Nihat who was tiredless. Spain went
from average to good to very good with special mention to Pique, Albiol,
Ramos, Xabi & Xavi Hernandez would is/was a true reference point. Lastly,
although he didn’t score Fernando Torres was outstanding with what he
does OFF the ball that wins SFS attention. His “unseen” movements open
spaces & gives paths to his team-mates that are valuable & vital in these sorts
of games. Well done!
Next clash in Istanbul Turkey next Wednesday, were another win here for
Spain would virtually guarantee them the pass to the next World Cup. But
they must be careful as Turkey on home soil has the ability to surprise as
they nearly did tonight away.
Here is the VIDEO of the highlights - thanks Rafa!! Lets hope Youtube
Spain would virtually guarantee them the pass to the next World Cup. But
they must be careful as Turkey on home soil has the ability to surprise as
they nearly did tonight away.
Here is the VIDEO of the highlights - thanks Rafa!! Lets hope Youtube
does´nt withdraw it later ;-):
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