Spain booked their spot at subsequent yr’s FIFA World Cup finals, nevertheless it got here after a extra nerve-wracking night time than anticipated as they drew 2-2 with Turkey in Seville.
The end result additionally noticed La Roja equal Italy’s report of 31 aggressive matches with out defeat, although the trail to the milestone was removed from easy, as even Softfootball didn’t count on a draw on this encounter, as Spain was anticipated to simply see off Turkey within the pre-game evaluation.
Earlier than this recreation Spain had already defeated Georgia 4-nil, and the hosts seemed able to wrap issues up shortly on this encounter, taking the lead in simply the fourth minute.
Dani Olmo showcased neat footwork to rifle residence a close-range end after Fabián Ruiz mis-hit his try to attach with Marc Cucurella’s cross.
It appeared solely a matter of time earlier than Spain doubled their benefit, with Altay Bayındır conserving Turkey within the recreation with spectacular saves in opposition to two long-range efforts from Olmo.
Nonetheless, Turkey refused to roll over. Deniz Gül punished a momentary lapse in Spain’s defence from Orkun Kökçü’s nook, scoring his first worldwide purpose to degree issues up. The guests carried that momentum into the second half, with Unai Simón producing a spectacular save to disclaim Barış Alper Yılmaz’s bicycle kick.
Turkey then took a deserved lead when Salih Özcan drilled in a right-footed end, additionally his first purpose for the nationwide crew.
Spain responded shortly, with Mikel Oyarzabal tapping in from shut vary after Merih Demiral had blocked Yéremy Pino’s preliminary shot.
The rest of the match noticed Spain struggling to say management, counting on Simón to parry away one other ferocious strike from Yılmaz. Ferran Torres got here near giving La Roja the lead, however his shot went vast, and Fermín López had a late effort dominated out for offside.
Regardless of the shaky efficiency, Spain achieved their goal, securing qualification for a thirteenth consecutive World Cup finals; in addition they posted a qualification video through their official X account celebrating the crew’s newest milestone.
Watch the video under:
https://twitter.com/SpainIsFootball/standing/1990899990307242201?s=20
Turkey, in the meantime, will take coronary heart from testing the reigning European champions so completely, leaving themselves in a robust place forward of the March play-offs, with hopes of reaching the World Cup for the primary time since 2002.
