Spain have booked their spot in the last-16 stage of Euro 2016 with a game to spare after recording a 3-0 win over Turkey in Group D clash in Nice.
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Iniesta, passing the ball immaculately as always, orchestrated the Spanish midfield, ably assistant by Nolito and David Silva as his side gave the most dominant performance of the tournament so far.
After much talk about whether he or veteran Iker Casillas should be the primary shot-stopper for Spain, del Bosque has chosen to go with the Manchester United man.
Spain struggled to a 1-0 victory over Czech Republic in their competition opener, but turned on the style against Turkey as a brace from Morata and a Nolito effort secured all the points in comfortable fashion.
Spain’s man of the match Iniesta said he was happy with Spain’s form in a campaign that has often been portrayed as a redemption exercise following a group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup.
They are top of Group D after two wins from their opening two games and face Croatia on Tuesday to decide who will win the group.
The Czechs picked up their first point thanks to a remarkable late fightback amid chaotic scenes in Saint Etienne.
Goals from Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic had given Croatia a well-deserved 2-0 lead before Milan Skoda ensured a nervy finish when he pulled one back in the 76th minute with a powerful header from captain Tomas Rosicky’s perfectly judged cross. “There are very few who would have thought of us qualifying for the last 16 after just two games”.
A ground staff member at the Stade Geoffrey Guichard appeared to be hit by a flare and was seen running off to seek help.
The ideal in every game is to quickly make your mark, ideally on the scoresheet, and my players understand that.
As well as facing sanctions over fans “throwing objects and setting off fireworks”, Croatia also faces charges over alleged “racist behaviour”.
Morata’s two goals against Turkey improved the striker’s tally to five worldwide goals from 11 caps as he continued to build an impressive record for the Spanish team.
“It leaves a bad taste in the mouth for me, and for Arda”.
“Are fans that bring children to matches really the ones that should deal with hooligan problems?”
“They are terrorists, sports terrorists, a specific group”.
To add to Croatia’s worries, star midfielder Luka Modric came off with what Cacic called a “muscle” injury.
In another match Czech Republic and Croatia were tied 2-all while Italy beat Sweden 1-0. “We have to keep winning like this”.
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“The first 30 minutes were ok, but we didn’t play well from there on”.
