Riera strikes late winner for Spain

ALBERT RIERA struck astoppage-time winner as European champions Spain bounced back from a half-time deficit to defeat Turkey inIstanbul and further strengthen their stranglehold on Group Five.

Spain, who had beaten the same opponents 1-0 in Madrid on Saturday, had to do it the hard way after falling behind to Semih Senturk’s 26th-minute tap-in but second-half goals from Liverpool duo Xabi Alonso and Riera earned Vicente del Bosque’s side the spoils.

The victory means Spain, who have a 100% record after six matches in qualifying, are now a massive 10 points above Turkey – who many felt would be their biggest challenger in the pool – and six clear of second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina, who were 2-1 winners over Belgium last night.