Spain secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Turkey in their World Cup qualifier, with Luis de la Fuente praising the performance as ‘flawless.’ A hat-trick from Mikel Merino, along with goals from Pedri and Ferran Torres, highlighted Spain’s attacking prowess. De la Fuente emphasized the team’s improvement since their previous match and their focus on continued progress.
Luis de la Fuente was overflowing with praise after Spain's dominant 6-0 victory over Turkey, lauding the performance as "flawless." The emphatic win solidified La Roja's unblemished record in their World Cup qualifying campaign, sending a clear message to their rivals.
The match, held at Medas Konya Buyuksehir Stadyumu, witnessed a masterclass from Mikel Merino, who bagged a sensational hat-trick. Mikel Oyarzabal also played a pivotal role, providing three assists to further dismantle the Turkish defense. Merino's hat-trick was a rare feat, making him only the second midfielder in the last 15 years to achieve this for Spain's senior men's team in all competitions, following Isco's performance against Argentina in March 2018.
Adding to Turkey's woes, Pedri contributed two well-taken goals either side of halftime, showcasing his growing influence in the Spanish midfield. Ferran Torres, coming off the bench, also joined the goal-scoring party, completing the rout and marking Spain's second-biggest away win in their World Cup qualifying history.
Spain's attacking prowess has been on full display in their first two qualifying fixtures, amassing nine goals. De la Fuente's tactical approach has clearly paid dividends, with Spain's expected goals (xG) reaching 2.42 from 21 shots, dwarfing Turkey's 0.54 from nine attempts. This statistical dominance underscores Spain's control and efficiency throughout the match.
The comprehensive victory and the sheer ruthlessness of the performance deeply satisfied De la Fuente. He emphasized the marked improvement from their previous encounter against Bulgaria, highlighting the team's dedication to correcting their mistakes and striving for constant progress.
"Today we were flawless, there’s not much more to say," De la Fuente stated, brimming with satisfaction. "We didn’t want to repeat the mistakes we made against Bulgaria on Thursday. Today, we started thinking about how to be even better next month!"
The Spanish side demonstrated not only their attacking capabilities but also a solid defensive structure, preventing Turkey from mounting any significant threat. The midfield controlled the tempo of the game, allowing the forwards to exploit the spaces and create numerous scoring opportunities. The synergy between the players was evident, showcasing the team's cohesion and understanding of De la Fuente's tactical vision.
With this resounding victory, Spain has positioned themselves as a formidable force in the World Cup qualifying campaign. The team's performance has instilled confidence among the fans and has sent a strong message to their competitors. De la Fuente's leadership and the players' dedication have created a winning formula, and Spain looks poised to continue their dominant run in the upcoming matches. The blend of experienced players and emerging talents has provided the team with the necessary depth and versatility to overcome any challenges they may face.
Looking ahead, Spain will aim to maintain their momentum and continue to fine-tune their game. De la Fuente will undoubtedly be analyzing the team's performance, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that the players remain focused and motivated. The ultimate goal is to secure a place in the World Cup and compete for the ultimate prize. With the talent and determination within the squad, Spain has every reason to believe that they can achieve their aspirations.
The emphatic victory against Turkey serves as a testament to Spain's resurgence as a footballing powerhouse. The team's performance has captivated the nation and has ignited a renewed sense of optimism and excitement. As they continue their journey in the World Cup qualifying campaign, Spain will undoubtedly face tough challenges. However, with their unwavering spirit and unwavering commitment, they are well-equipped to overcome any obstacles and emerge victorious.
Una vez más (y ya no sé ni cuántas son).