Euro 2024: Spain beat Croatia and ratified its candidacy for the title :: Olé

Spain It’s serious stuff and he showed it in his debut. The team led by Luis de la Fuente faced Croatia in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and took the 3-0 victory with goals from Álvaro Morata, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Carvajal. A great first step for La Roja in the Euro 2024where it integrates the B Groupwhich can be considered that of death (there are also Italy and Albania).

Lamine Yamal, who this Saturday made history by becoming the youngest player to start in the entire history of the Euro Cup, was the one who most worried the Croatian defense at the beginning of the match. The Barcelona left-hander, only 16 years old, played lying down on the right wing, with a changed profile, and went over the top on repeated occasions. However, the Croatian team knew how to slow down the pace of the duel and he began to feel more comfortable as the minutes passed. He was able to block Rodri with his midfielders and prevent the creation of play.

At 29′, when the Croatian team was taking the reins of the game, Pedri leaked a great pass for Alvaro Moratawhich he defined with a left foot before the exit of Livakovic. Just three minutes later, Fabian Ruiz He received it at the door of the area and, after a good dribble, he took a left foot shot that was impossible for the goalkeeper. At the end of the first half, Lamine Yamal sent a great cross that Dani Carvajal He connected to score the third. In this way, Spain went into halftime winning 3 to 0.

Luis de la Fuente’s team was much superior in the first half. Croatia concentrated more on blocking Spain’s moves than on showing off its own game. This approach ended up costing him dearly. On the other hand, La Roja knew how to take advantage of their opportunities and struck with great effectiveness. He didn’t need to have the ball to impose conditions. He reached the attacking zone with few passes and players, but it was enough. A different version than other years.

Despite having finished the game in just 45 minutes, Spain did not let up and also had the clearest advantage in the second half. He handled the game to his liking and did not suffer for much of the game. Just at 32′ An error by Unai Simón at the start meant that Rodri had to drop Petkovic in the area. The goalkeeper redeemed himself and stopped the execution from the 12 steps (then there was a goal on the rebound, but it was annulled due to invasion).

Croatia tried to go for a goal in the final minutes, but couldn’t find it. They went in search of the goal since the four best third parties also advance to the round of 16.

Not everything was joy in Spain. They won 3-0, but Luis de la Fuente was forced to take two of his figures off the field: Álvaro Morata and Rodri, both with physical discomfort.