Spain launched their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign in spectacular fashion with a dominating 3-0 victory over Croatia in a Group B clash on Saturday evening at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Daniel Carvajal were the stars of this emphatic win, each finding the back of the net in the first half to give La Roja a flying start.
Entering their fourth consecutive Euro finals meeting, the match was anticipated to be a fiercely contested battle between two teams with rich histories in the tournament. However, Spain’s ruthless and fluid attacking gameplay swiftly distinguished them as the superior side. The win marks Spain’s third victory out of four Euro meetings against Croatia, underlining their dominance over their Balkan counterparts.
The action began with Spain asserting their attacking intent right from the outset. After consistently pressuring the Croatian defense, Spain finally broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. A crucial playmaker throughout the match, Fabián Ruiz, delivered a brilliant pass that carved through the Croatian defense and found Alvaro Morata. The Atletico Madrid star remained composed as he slotted home his seventh career goal in the Euro finals, a testament to his prowess on this stage. Remarkably, three of those goals have come against Croatia, accentuating his effectiveness against this particular opponent.
Just moments after setting up the opener, Ruiz turned from provider to finisher. Maneuvering expertly within the penalty box, he twisted and turned past Croatian defenders before arrowing a precise low shot into the bottom-right corner, doubling Spain’s lead. This flurry of goals left Croatia scrambling for a response, and they nearly found it. Josko Gvardiol’s powerful shot required Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon to make a fingertip save, and Ante Budimir’s attempt to convert the rebound narrowly missed.
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Late in the first half, Spain’s 16-year-old sensation, Lamine Yamal, etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest player to ever participate in a European Championship match. The youngster’s outstanding performance continued with an assist for Spain’s third goal. A fiercely-driven cross from Yamal was turned in by Daniel Carvajal, the Champions League final hero, just before halftime. This sealed an already commanding 3-0 lead and showcased the strength and depth in the Spanish squad under manager Luis de la Fuente.
As the second half commenced, Yamal’s electrifying presence persisted. Early on, he was poised to become the youngest Euro scorer, if not for a stellar reflex save from Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who managed to parry away the teenager’s effort. Despite continued forays forward from both sides, the action slowed in comparison to the first half.
Croatia was offered a glimmer of hope late in the game when a challenge by Rodri brought substitute Bruno Petkovic down inside the Spanish box, leading to a penalty. A tense moment unfolded as Petkovic stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Unai Simon showcased his shot-stopping skills once more, diving to his right to thwart the effort and preserve Spain’s clean sheet.
Meanwhile, the Croatian side must now regroup and prepare for their next challenge. They are set to face Albania on June 19, with hopes of reviving their campaign after the heavy loss. Spain, riding high on their dominant performance, will take on Italy, another former champion, the following day in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Spain’s commanding performance in the opener serves as a clear statement of intent for the rest of the tournament. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, La Roja looks poised to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of European football.
(With agency inputs)
