Defender Gerard Pique scored his first goal for Spain to give the European champions a 1-0 win over Turkey in their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifying Group 5 match.
The 22-year-old, playing only his second match for the national side, turned the ball in from close range on the hour after Xavi's floated free-kick from the right had ricocheted back across goal off Sergio Ramos. The win cemented Spain's lead at the top of the group with a maximum 15 points from five matches, ahead of Bosnia on nine and Turkey on eight.
The Turks, who reached the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008, did well to cramp the Spanish midfield in a tight first half and threatened Iker Casillas's goal on several occasions. A low shot from captain Nihat Kahveci flashed just wide of the post in the sixth minute and Nihat's strike partner Semih Senturk also went close shortly after.
Fernando Torres had Spain's best opening of the first period just before the break. The Liverpool striker controlled a pass from Xavi on the edge of the area and his powerful shot was palmed away by Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel.
