QUICK FACTS – (Group stage – Group B)
- Spain begin Euro 2024 group stage campaign with victory against Croatia
- La Roja scored all three goals in scintillating first-half display
- Croatia missed second-half penalty and had goal from rebound denied by VAR
Match Review: Spain 3-0 Croatia – ‘La Roja make statement with impressive, high speed start’
Spain made a commanding start to their quest for a fourth Euros title with an impressive victory over Croatia at Olympiastadion Berlin.
First-half goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal essentially decided the match before halftime. While Croatia offered little resistance, this performance was a statement win for La Roja.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in men’s Euros history at 16 years and 338 days, but it was Spain’s most experienced player who opened the scoring, silencing the Croatia fans who had flocked to Germany’s capital.
Ruiz collected the ball on the halfway line and delivered a perfect pass for Morata, who raced through and slotted past Dominik Livakovic for his 36th international goal.
After waiting almost half an hour for the breakthrough, Luis de la Fuente’s side needed just three more minutes to extend their lead. Ruiz found the net himself, beating two defenders on the edge of the area and firing a shot that deflected off Josip Sutalo and past Livakovic.
Croatia nearly pulled a goal back when Josko Gvardiol’s drilled shot beat Unai Simon but missed Ante Budimir, who failed to redirect it into the net.
Spain continued to attack and secured the points in first-half stoppage time when Yamal’s cross was converted by Carvajal, who remained forward after a corner.
A goal for the teenage Yamal would have capped his performance, but Livakovic denied him from close range early in the second half.
Croatia’s day worsened when Bruno Petkovic saw his late penalty saved by Simon, and the video assistant referee disallowed his follow-up for encroachment.
The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists must now try to revive their Group B campaign against Albania in Hamburg on Thursday, the same day Spain faces holders Italy in a highly anticipated clash in Gelsenkirchen.
Spain shine, Croatia disappoint
Around 100,000 Croatia fans descended on Berlin, filling the city with their distinctive chequered shirts. They were in high spirits before the game, especially when their icon Luka Modric appeared for the warm-up, but their enthusiasm waned once the match began.
Croatia managed neither a shot nor a touch in the Spain area until the 22nd minute. Apart from the penalty, awarded after Rodri tripped Petkovic, they forced Simon into only two meaningful saves. Modric and Mateo Kovacic were substituted after 66 minutes, with the 38-year-old Modric unable to provide his usual spark.
By then, the small contingent of Spain fans was making all the noise. Spain’s captain, Manchester City midfielder Rodri, had declared before the tournament that his team were “serious candidates” for the title. This performance demonstrated their intent.
Spain showcased not only attacking flair but also defensive resilience, highlighted by Marc Cucurella’s brilliant block to deny Lovro Majer in the second half.
Sterner tests await, starting with Italy, but this was a convincing way to begin their campaign.
