Istanbul, Turkiye — A stunning Mikel Merino hat-trick powered Spain to a 6-0 demolition of Turkiye in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday. The victory leaves the European champions firmly in control of Group E with two wins from two matches.
Spain struck early when Pedri slotted past Ugurcan Cakir in the sixth minute. Merino doubled the lead midway through the half, finishing a sharp passing move inside the box. Just before the break, he struck again, converting a pull-back to give Spain a three-goal cushion.
The onslaught continued after halftime. Ferran Torres finished a rapid counterattack in the 53rd minute to make it four. Moments later, Merino completed his hat-trick with a spectacular left-footed curler into the top corner. Pedri added his second goal of the night in the 62nd minute to seal the rout.
Turkiye’s defense had no answer to Spain’s pace and precision. Each counterattack carved them open, leaving the home crowd stunned. With Georgia beating Bulgaria 3-0 earlier, Spain now lead Group E on six points, with Turkiye and Georgia on three each.
Elsewhere in the World Cup Qualifiers
Germany bounced back from their shock defeat to Slovakia with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland. After a tight hour, substitute Nadiem Amiri tapped in before Florian Wirtz’s free kick secured the victory. It was Julian Nagelsmann’s first win in five games as Germany climbed in Group A.
Belgium also impressed, sweeping Kazakhstan aside with a 6-0 victory in Brussels. Kevin De Bruyne broke the deadlock with a superb strike before adding a second, while Jeremy Doku also scored twice. Belgium now sit second in Group J with 10 points, one behind leaders North Macedonia.
In Group G, Memphis Depay set a Dutch scoring record as his brace took him past Robin van Persie with 52 international goals. The Netherlands edged Lithuania 3-2 to move top on goal difference ahead of Poland, who defeated Finland 3-1.
