Alvaro Morata plays down Euro 2016 favourites tag after Spain easily beat Turkey

17 June 2016 22:23

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

The Juventus forward helped Vicente del Bosque's side beat Turkey 3-0 in Nice to book their spot in the last 16 in France.

Nolito also netted as the 2012 and 2008 winners cruised to a comfortable victory to become the first side to score three goals at this summer's tournament.

But, despite praise for their performance, Morata insisted they do not consider themselves favourites and he is just happy to be in the squad.

"The important thing about this group is that we don't think that [we are favourites], that there is a spectacular atmosphere. We have spent a lot of time together, we've laughed, and it shows on the pitch," he told TV channel Telecinco.

"I'm very happy for the match the team played, very happy for the goals but above all for being here. Before I watched all of Spain's matches on television so to enjoy this team is a dream for me.

"People said we wouldn't score? They're always looking for something, when the team is doing well they say the strikers won't score. We continue and work. We've played a great game against a very tough team and now to win the next match."

Turkey offered little resistance and Spain have not lost in the European Championships since a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in 2004.

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.

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.

Boss Fatih Terim told a press conference: "We conceded two goals by making individual mistakes - one of them was unbelievable.

"But I congratulate Spain. They're a very important team, a special team."

Source: PA