Euro-2024: Spain knocks out Croatia 3-0

Spain successfully entered the competition by winning 3-0 against Spain. Croatia in the shock of Group B, the toughest; of Euro-2024, Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

The other match in the group will pit Italy, the defending champion, against Albania in the evening.

The duel between La Roja and the Vatreni (“the Ardents), opposed for the fourth consecutive time in a Euro, as often turned to the advantage of the Spaniards.

Paris SG midfielder Fabian Ruiz, passer for Alvaro Morata (29th) and author of the second goal (32nd), was the great architect of the success of the triple European champions against the 2018 World Cup finalists. Dani Carvajal hit the nail on the head (45+2), served by the nugget Lamine Yamal, the youngest player to play a Euro match at 16 years and 338 days.

Two false notes, however, in this match: Morata, visibly injured, asked to leave (67th) and Rodri also left the field (84th), without we know if he was affected or suffering from cramps.

Perfectly launched into the axis by Ruiz, captain Morata opened the scoring with a low left strike (1-0, 29th).

– Modric discreet –

Croatian Luka Modric (c) in front of Spaniard Fabian Ruiz (d), June 15, 2024 in Berlin © AFP – JOHN MACDOUGALL

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In the process, Ruiz doubled the lead after a nice left control-hooks-strike number between the legs of defender Josip Sutalo (2-0, 32nd).

The Croats tried to react, but Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon deflected Marcelo Brozovic's attempt (33rd). On the lookout, Lovro Majer attempted a recovery which ended up in the side net. That of Josko Gvardiol missed (41st).

Just before the break, Carvajal did not miss the opportunity to knock out Luka's team Modric, very discreet in this match. The Real Madrid player took a cross from Barcelona's Yamal (3-0, 45+2).

Returning from the locker room, Marc Cucurella saved his team by blocking a right shot from Josip Stanisic (55th).

Spanish captain Alvaro Morata (c) opens the score against Croatia, June 15, 2024 in Berlin © AFP – JOHN MACDOUGALL

At the end of the match, on a failed restart at the foot of Simon, Rodri sacrificed himself by committing a foul on Bruno Petkovic. The penalty struck by the latter was repelled by the Roja goalkeeper. Petkovic, served by Perisic, finally scored, but the goal was invalidated for an offside position by the Croatian passer (79th).

After their successful debut, the The Spaniards now await the outgoing European champions Italians, their next opponents on Thursday.

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