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Morata double leads Spain to easy win over Turkey

The Juventus and former Real Madrid striker scored twice as two-time defending European champions Spain dismantled Turkey 3-0 in Friday’s Euro 2016 Group D clash.

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Turkey need to beat the Czech Republic in their final game to have a chance of staying in the competition after losing their opening two matches.

Two-goal Alvaro Morata dismissed suggestions Spain are favourites for Euro 2016 after they breezed into the second round.

Stewards took the flares away from the fans as they chanted, despite the loss that leaves their team with faint chances of advancing to the next round.

He added: “I’m very happy with the game that the team played, with the goals, and with being here”.

Morata could have scored a hat trick but was forced off the ball in a good position shortly after the hour mark.

Spain, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Euros title, can seal top spot in the pool with just a draw against Croatia in their final group game on Tuesday.

Angry Turkey coach Fatih Terim said his team made an unbelievable mistake on one goal and accused them of throwing in the towel.

On 34 minutes, though, Nolito turned provider to greater effect.

Cesc Fabregas clipped a lofted pass over the Turkey defence and Topal could only head the ball up into the air, Nolito reacting sharply to slide the ball beyond a helpless Babacan.

“My two goals in the match?”

Iniesta advanced, then produced his geometrically ideal pass to Jordi Alba, who touched it to Morata for the beautifully simple third.

Spain were toying with their opponents by now and struck again just three minutes into the second half.

Substitute Bruno Soriano almost scored a fourth midway through the half, forcing a Babacan to tip round the post.

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They also achieved their first objective, which was to avoid a repeat of their dismal first round exit at the last World Cup, as they booked a place in the round of 16 with a game to spare. The Czech Republic salvaged a 2-2 draw with Croatia in Saint-Etienne in a game temporarily suspended when flares were thrown onto the pitch and Croatia fans fought among themselves.

David de Gea will start ahead of Iker Casillas in goal for Spain