Marcos edges out Turkey

Winning start
The Valladolid CF player scored the only goal of the game to earn his side all three points in the Group A match in Amboise, capitalising on an error by Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Babacan, who produced an otherwise faultless performance.

Technical ability
The match was of a high technical standard, with both sides lining up in a 4-4-2 formation. Spain, losing finalists to Portugal a year ago in this event, also reached the final of the FIFA World Under-17 Championship last summer only to lose narrowly to Brazil, and began the match with a confident manner.

Midfield superiority
Juan Santisteban's side had the better of the opening exchanges and quickly established dominance of the midfield. Spain pressed their opponents back and, although Gündüz Tekin Onay's team occasionally looked dangerous on the break, it was Spain who carved out the clearer chances.

Cesc chance
Francesc Fabregas, the Player of the Tournament at the 2003 World U17 Championship had an early chance from close range but the Arsenal FC midfield prodigy was denied by the legs of Babacan.

Just too high
Moments later, Javier should have put his side ahead, but his close-range effort was just over the bar. Five minutes before half-time, midfield player Mario also tried his luck, but again his strike was fractionally too high.

Marcos moment
The goal Spain's pressure had threatened finally arrived a minute into first-half injury time. Marcos collected possession on the left and cut in towards goal, but his shot from the angle looked comfortable for Babacan. The Fenerbahçe SK goalkeeper failed to deal with it though and the ball somehow found its way into the net.

Babacan back on form
Falling behind in such a fashion might have demoralised Turkey, but they emerged for the second period in determined mood. The second 40 minutes was an even affair, with both sides creating chances, although Spain continued to look the most likely to score and Javier was again denied from close range by Babacan.

Goalkeeper alert
Both goalkeepers needed to be alert though and shortly afterwards, an effort from Turkish forward Serdar Özkan clipped the crossbar at the other end. Spain might have doubled their lead with six minutes remaining when Carmona raced clear, but Babacan was swiftly off his line to dive at the feet of the midfield player.

Piqué booked
Turkey continued to press for an equaliser in the closing stages, and FC Barcelona defender Piqué was cautioned as his side fought, successfully, to maintain their slender lead. The victors next play tournament hosts France in Blois on Thursday, while Turkey play Northern Ireland – 3-0 losers in today's other game in the section – in Romorantin.