For the first match of Group B of Euro 2024, Spain outclassed Croatia, 3 goals to zero.
However, we had to digest a nagging round of observation before the game finally unlocked. But as soon as the Spaniards opened the scoring with Morata (29th), served superbly in the middle by Fabian Ruiz, the Croats collapsed. The same Ruiz added the second shortly after (32nd) on a pass from Pedri.
Defender Dani Carvajal (32) widened the gap in stoppage time, scoring his first goal for the selection. The assist for this 3-0 came from Lamine Yamal, who at 16 years and 338 days became the youngest player to play a Euro finals match. The FC Barcelona player, where he has really broken out this season (seven goals and eight assists), almost scored 4-0 in the 51st minute, but Livakovic vetoed it. Yamal thus did not beat the record held by the Swiss Johan Vonlanthen. He was 18 years and 141 days old when he scored against France during theEuro 2004.
In addition, the Croats, for whom Luka Modric (38 years old) was unable to shine during his 176th selection and replaced shortly after the hour mark, seemed to feel the weight of the years, often finding themselves in difficulty facing the speed of their opponents. They also lacked realism in attack, missing several clear chances. Zlatko Dalic’s men will have to be more efficient in their next match, Wednesday in Hamburg against Albania.
For the Spaniards, with a clever mix of experienced elements (Rodri, Carvajal, Nacho, Morata) and already very strong young talents (Pedri, Yamal, Williams), coach Luis de la Fuente has a squad allowing him to to aim high in this tournament.
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