Spain vs Turkey: EURO 2016 Group D Preview & Prediction

Spain will look to progress to the knockout stages in their third consecutive European Championships when they face Turkey in Nice on Friday night.

Following a 1-0 win in their opening Group D game against Czech Republic, the Spanish know that three points would guarantee their place in the Round of 16.

However, Spain were far from convincing despite coming away victorious as it took Gerard Pique until the 87th minute to break the deadlock against Petr Cech and his resolute defenders.

Meanwhile, Turkey were unlucky during their 1-0 defeat against Croatia, who displayed an excellent performance which was encapsulated by a stunning goal from Luka Modric.

Although Faith Terim’s men defended well, they should be concerned with their profligacy in front of goal as they hit the target on just two occasions from nine attempts.

For Turkey, an interesting man to keep an eye out for will be attacking midfielder Emre Mor.

The 18-year-old has just joined Borussia Dortmund, where he has been given the number nine shirt, from FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark – but before that he was on trial at Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion where he was offered a deal, but declined it in order to join the club from the country of his birth.

There has been 11 previous meetings between the two nations with Spain winning five times, Turkey twice and four draws.

Whilst the last time these two nations met; in World Cup 2010 qualifying, it was Spain who won 2-1 thanks to a 90th minute winner from ex-Liverpool player Albert Riera.

Alvaro Morata in action during Spain’s Group D opener against Czech Republic – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

Spain have a clean bill of health as they head into Friday night’s encounter with the only pressing decision for manager Vicente del Bosque being whether to start Alvaro Morata or Aritz Aduriz in attack after neither impressed against the Czech Republic.

For Turkey, Fenerbahce duo Mehmet Topal and Gokhan Gonul trained ahead of the game after missing training on Tuesday with calf and abdomen problems respectively.

Like Spain, the Turks will head into the game with a clean bill of health.

FIFA World Ranking: Spain – 6th; Turkey – 18th
Best European Championship Finish: Spain – Winners (1964, 2008, 2012); Turkey – Semi-Finals (2008)
Previous Meeting: Turkey 1-2 Spain – April 1, 2009 (World Cup 2010 qualifier)
Form: Spain – WLWWDD; Turkey – LWWLWW
Key Men: Spain – Andres Iniesta; Turkey – Arda Turan
Shoot Says: Spain 2-0 Turkey