Spain extend unbeaten run as Belgium rally to defeat Turkey in Nations League

Spain preserved their perfect record in UEFA Nations League Group A3 with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, while Belgium came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 in Izmir and move above Italy in Group A1.

Alex Baena’s first-half penalty and a late goal from Marc Pubill secured Spain’s fifth victory in five group matches. The result extended their unbeaten run inside 90 minutes to 43 games, including 34 wins and nine draws.

Spain controlled the early stages in the Czech Republic, where goalkeeper Matej Kovar kept out Dean Huijsen before Pau Cubarsi struck the crossbar with a header from a set-piece.

The visitors went ahead when Lukas Ambros handled in the area, allowing Baena to score his fifth international goal from the penalty spot. Fabian Ruiz then saw a curling effort hit the woodwork as Spain continued to dominate.

Yeremey Pino appeared to have doubled the lead soon after the interval when he finished following Unai Simon’s long kick, but the forward was ruled offside.

The Czech Republic improved as the match progressed. David Zima shot over from close range after a long throw, while Lukas Provod’s deflected effort went narrowly wide. Adam Hlozek came closest when his flicked free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar.

Their hopes were damaged further when captain Ladislav Krejci was dismissed for pulling back an opponent as the last defender. It was the second time he had been sent off against Spain in the competition.

Pubill finally settled the match late on, carrying the ball forward from defence before beating Kovar with a composed finish.

Spain need only avoid defeat against England on Sunday to finish top of Group A3. The Czech Republic have lost all five matches and are now without a win in eight games in all competitions.

De Bruyne leads Belgium recovery

Turkey took the lead in the 20th minute of Sergen Yalcin’s first match as coach, but Belgium responded with two goals in seven minutes to claim victory and leave the hosts bottom of Group A1 after a fifth successive Nations League defeat.

Arda Guler won a free-kick just outside the penalty area after being fouled by Nicolas Raskin. The Real Madrid midfielder then curled a superb effort over the wall and into the top corner, beyond Senne Lammens.

Belgium levelled seven minutes later when Jeremy Doku created space on the left and supplied Kevin De Bruyne, who finished first time.

The visitors completed the turnaround three minutes after that. Maxim De Cuyper set up Charles De Ketelaere, who scored from close range after Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir had saved Diego Moreira’s initial effort.

De Bruyne and Doku continued to threaten after half-time, while Cakir denied De Ketelaere a second goal. Lammens also made important saves to keep out attempts from Baris Yilmaz and Deniz Gul as Turkey searched for an equaliser.

Belgium’s three points lifted them above Italy into second place in Group A1, ahead of Italy’s meeting with France later on Thursday. Turkey now face serious concerns over their League A status.