Riera and Alonso give Spain victory

Liverpool’s Albert Riera and Xabi Alonso scored for Spain to earn a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Turkey at the Ali Sami Yen stadium here on Wednesday to retain their 100 percent record in World Cup qualifying.

Star striker David Villa had been ruled out by Spanish boss Vicente Del Bosque because of knee problems and he fielded Fernando Torres as a lone striker in front of a five-man midfield.

Riera, Carlos Marchena and David Silva also came into the side in changes from Saturday’s 1-0 Group Five win over the Turks in Madrid. Turkey coach Fatih Terim however kept the same starting line-up.

European champions Spain, in top spot in the FIFA world rankings, went behind in the 26th minute.

A long pass from Arda Turan into Spanish territory went to Tuncay Sanli. Semih Senturk was on the receiving end of the subsequent pass and managed to find the net.

Spain’s equaliser came from Xabi Alonso from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute after Ibrahim Uzulmez had handled the ball in the area following a Torres header at the far post.

The winner came in the second minute of injury time when substitute Daniel Guiza went down the right flank and crossed for Riera to put the ball through the keeper’s legs.