The closer to Friday’s action in Euro2016 sees Spain vs Turkey in Nice with the defending champions knowing that a win will send them into the knockout stages. Turkey will be under pressure to get something from this match after their first defeat against Croatia so this one is nicely set up.
It was hard to be too impressed by Spain in the first game but it was a match which a lot of Spain games become. It was attack vs defence for large periods but they never really cut the Czech Republic open and that has to be a concern.
A lack of a real focal point in attack isn’t helping the Spanish. While they remain as comfortable as ever in possession there is no sign of them being able to cut sides apart and the worry is that teams have finally worked out how to play against them and can largely snuff them out.
Key Man
David Silva is going to be a big man for Spain in this game. They need someone with some craft and improvisation to start opening up these defences and supplying the striker with some genuine chances. He is also clever enough to get into good positions to score himself so look to him to have a big game.
I was surprised and disappointed by Turkey in their opening match. I expected a whole lot more from them especially in attack where they really disappointed. In the end they did well to only lose 1-0 to Croatia because they were outclassed for almost the entire match.
You’ve got to think that wasn’t the real Turkey and that they have an awful lot more to give in this match but they will need to because I’m not so sure they can rely on their defence even against a faltering Spanish attack.
Key Man
Burak Yilmaz began from the bench against Croatia but with the side offering nothing in attacking areas you’ve got to think he might well start this match and if he does he could be the one to give the Spanish defence the biggest problems. He has a good record at this level and if his side create chances he can finish them.
Team News
You would think Vicente del Bosque will freshen up the attacking areas for this match. In truth he could change everyone in that part of the pitch but Aritz Aduriz could give them a bigger focal point to play off so I wouldn’t be surprised were he to come into the team.
Turkey will also make changes in that area too. I would be very surprised if Yilmaz doesn’t start and it might be the right time to unleash Emre Mor the Borussia Dortmund youngster from the beginning. Arda Turan will face many of his Barcelona teammates.
Head to Head
These two have met 11 times through the years with Turkey winning just two of them and you have to go back 49 years for the last time they won against the Spanish. They have only met two times since the turn of the millennium and both matches were won by Spain, two of the five wins they have managed. There have been four draws.
Betting
I think this match is whether Turkey can find it in them to challenge this Spanish defence. That isn’t going to be easy because they’re not going to see an awful lot of the ball so when they do have it they are going to have to use it wisely and try to threaten.
I’m not sure Turkey can keep the Spanish out here. I don’t think they are disciplined enough in defence and if we are being brutally honest they are probably not good enough in defence so in terms of all the realistic bets to have on this match it really is all about whether you think Turkey will score.
Creating the chances to score against Spain is one thing but beating David de Gea is quite another and I’m not convinced that Turkey will do that. For the second time in a row in this tournament I’m happy to take Spain to win to nil in the hope that they find breaking this defence down a lot easier than they did the Czech one.
Tips
WON – Back Spain to win to nil for a 4/10 stake at 2.15 with Boylesports
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