Spain’s players celebrate the victory against Croatia in Euro 2024. (ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Spain debuted in this Euro 2024 with a resounding victory against Croatia. With a 3-0 lead in the first half, “La Roja” left the Croatians without options.
Luis de la Fuente’s team showed an orderly game without fanfare, very vertical and with differential players who were capable of scoring in the few attempts they had. In five shots on goal they scored three goals.
The match began with two restrained teams that did not want to take big risks. Spain focused its attacks on the right wing of the incisive Lamine Yamal who did not overwhelm but who drove the ball towards the rival area. This, along with Pedri and Fabián, were the most electric players in a very vertical Spain.
Croatia was comfortable seeking direct shipments. It was in the 29th minute of the first half when they lost a ball and the Spanish midfielder, Fabián Ruiz, who was the MVP of the match with a goal and an assist, served an assist that left the forward Álvaro Morata alone in front of the Croatian goalkeeper. That’s where Spain’s first goal came. Three minutes later, a play by Lamine on the right wing ended with a back pass to Pedri, who connected with Fabián and he, with few touches of the ball, broke away from the Croatian defenders and shot at goal, scoring Spain’s second.
The third goal would come before the break after a corner that Spain took short. Lamine crossed into the heart of the area and Carvajal appeared to push it into the net.
In the second half, Spain wanted to sleep the game. The Spanish goalkeeper, Unai Simón, frustrated any attempt at a Croatian comeback when he saved a penalty with fifteen minutes remaining. Croatia scored in the continuation of the play but it was annulled by the VAR.
The bad news for Spain is that Morata and Rodri had to leave with physical discomfort.
Spain is already looking at Italy, the other great rival in group B, which it will face on June 20.
