Mikel Merino led from the front with a sensational hat-trick as Spain steamrolled past host Turkey 6-0 in a one-sided World Cup qualifier on Sunday, underlining their dominance in Group E.
The reigning European champions showed no mercy in Istanbul, dismantling Turkey with clinical precision and relentless pace. Spain’s control over the game was evident from the outset, and by full-time, the scoreline reflected the gulf in class between the two sides.
Spain opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Pedri, who calmly slotted past Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir after a composed build-up. The early goal set the tone for what would become a relentless attacking display.
Merino doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, finishing off a slick passing move with a simple strike inside the box. Spain’s intricate ball movement left the Turkish defence flat-footed, and Merino, unmarked, made no mistake.
Just before the break, Merino struck again. A low pull-back found him in space, and he powered the ball into the net to give Spain a commanding 3-0 advantage at halftime. Turkey’s defence looked overwhelmed, unable to cope with Spain’s quick transitions and precision.
The second half brought no respite for the hosts. In the 53rd minute, a Turkish corner turned disastrous as Ferran Torres led a blistering counter-attack, combining quickly with his teammates before finishing sharply to make it 4-0.
Only four minutes later, Merino completed his hat-trick in style. With space to shoot from distance, he unleashed a stunning left-footed curler that soared into the top corner, leaving Cakir rooted to the spot. The goal was met with silence from the home crowd and jubilation from the Spanish bench.
Spain’s final goal came in the 62nd minute, with Pedri scoring his second of the match. Once again unmarked at the end of a swift move, he calmly tucked away his shot, capping off another brilliant team play.
With this victory, Spain remains firmly on top of Group E with six points from two games. Turkey and Georgia follow with three points each, the latter having defeated Bulgaria 3-0 earlier in the day.
