European pre-select: Türkiye vs Spain

In the world of football, some showdowns are destined to be full of drama. On September 8, 2025, Türkiye and Spain will meet in the European qualifiers in the World Cup. This competition is not only a key battle in the standings, but also a battle about glory and dignity. The grudges, love and hatred of the two teams, tactical game and player duel will be condensed into classics within these 90 minutes.

Open the history of the two teams, Spain has an absolute advantage with 6 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss, especially since it has remained unbeaten in the last 8 matches, including a crushing situation of three consecutive victories. The 0-3 defeat in the group stage of the 2016 European Cup is still a hidden pain in the hearts of Turkish fans. But it is worth noting that Türkiye showed amazing resilience when playing against Spain at home - 1 win, 3 draws and 1 loss in five matches, almost equally with the Bullfighters. Can this "home magic" take effect again? Montera's team needs to draw confidence from history. The article comes from Gong Zonghao - World Popular Fat Tigers

Spain just beat Bulgaria 3-0 in the World Cup three days ago, showing strong offensive firepower and tactical execution. Turkey experienced a thrilling 3-2 victory over Georgia on September 5, which exposed the loopholes on the defensive end. In earlier friendly matches, they even lost to Mexico 0-1, and their condition was like a roller coaster. This difference in stability is likely to become a key factor in determining the direction of the game. Spain coached by de la Fuent continues the traditional tiki-taka style (a tactic to control the game through short pass penetration), but injects a more direct wing assault element. Their ball possession rate is over 65% all year round, dismantling opponents' defense like a precision clock. Turkey is expected to use a 5-4-1 defensive formation, relying on Calhanoglu's accurate long pass and Yundale's lightning speed to counterattack. This "switchblade tactic" has caused the strong team to suffer many times at home. Which of the two coaches who met for the first time, Montera and Dela Fuente, had better adjustments on the spot?

Pedri of Spain is known as the most talented midfield commander of the century. He can complete 2.3 key passes every 90 minutes, like a symphony conductor on the football field. Turkey's number one threat is Cialhanoglu, who plays for Inter Milan. His free kick is like a GPS-guided missile, and the direct free kick rate at the club level this season is as high as 33%. The performance of these two people may directly determine the tilt direction of the competition balance.

Spanish defensive core Laporte was absent due to injury, causing cracks in the originally stable defense line - it was like removing the last lock from the safe. Turkey faces a firepower vacuum after Ilmaz retires on the forward line, and new star Klechisoyu has not yet fully proved himself. The thickness of the bench is also very different. Spain has a luxurious substitute group that can change the situation, while Türkiye's substitution options are more unknown.

According to historical data models, Spain's probability of winning away games is 58%, while Türkiye's probability of upset is only 19%. The most likely score is 1-2 (Spain wins), which coincides with the rule that the two sides have averaged 2.8 goals in the last five encounters. But the charm of football lies in that 23% draw possibility—especially when the game is in the sound of the Turkish Devil’s home court.

Spanish players are used to big scenes, but the pressure that cannot be lost in the World Cup may deform young players' movements. Turkey is burdened with the obsession with ending the eight-game defeat to Spain, which is both a double-edged sword and a catalyst. Psychological mobilization in the locker room before the game may be more important than tactical drills.

When the final whistle sounds, this contest will not only rewrite the rankings of the standings, but will also add a new mark to the history of grievances between the two teams. Is Spain continuing its rule, or Türkiye breaking the curse? The answer will be revealed on that boiling night in Istanbul. For fans, witnessing such a showdown is a blessing in itself - because classics are never out of time, and football is always worth looking forward to.