Spain launched their Euro 2024 campaign with a decisive 3-0 victory over Croatia in Group B, with Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest player to participate in the competition’s history.
At 16 years and 338 days old at kick-off, Yamal comfortably surpasses the previous record set by Poland’s Kacper Kozlowski, who was 17 years and 246 days old when he debuted at Euro 2020.
Read More: EURO 2024 Group F – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
Spain Make An Early Statement
After a tepid opening 25 minutes, La Roja broke the deadlock when Alvaro Morata raced clear and finished with composure.
Four minutes later, they doubled their lead as Fabian Ruiz dazzled the opposition with sharp footwork before lashing the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
This sparked Croatia into action, with Josko Gvardiol coming close to scoring. However, on the stroke of half-time, they fell further behind when Yamal, at 16 years and 338 days old, delivered a brilliant cross that Dani Carvajal converted for his first international goal.
In the second half, Zlatko Dalic’s side nearly reduced the deficit when Josip Stanisic’s shot was cleared off the line by Marc Cucurella, and the rebound was saved by Unai Simon. Croatia thought they had scored late on after being awarded a penalty when Rodri brought down Bruno Petkovic following a mistake by Simon. Petkovic’s spot-kick was saved, but he converted the rebound, only for VAR to disallow the goal due to encroachment in the box by Ivan Perisic.
In a challenging group that includes reigning champions Italy, Spain started perfectly against tough opposition. Three first-half goals from three different players marked a job well done by Luis de la Fuente’s side. However, Croatia did not provide a significant defensive challenge, and it will be interesting to see how the 2008 and 2012 Euro winners perform against stronger teams.
After a shaky start, the Barcelona youngster’s pace and trickery proved too much for the Croatian defense. The 16-year-old played a key role in Ruiz’s goal and assisted Carvajal’s effort with a brilliant swinging cross.
Alvaro Morata has become the third-highest scorer in the history of the Euros with seven goals. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (14) and Michel Platini (9) have scored more.
Spain Impressive At The Opening Game
This rematch of last year’s Nations League final, which Spain won on penalties after a 0-0 draw, indicates that La Roja are strong contenders for a record-breaking fourth European Championship title.
World Cup semi-finalists Croatia face a tough challenge to reach the knockout phase for the fifth consecutive major tournament, with upcoming games against Albania and reigning champions Italy in a difficult Group B.
Luka Modric, often their key player, was substituted midway through the second half by coach Zlatko Dalic.
Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente fielded an exciting starting XI, featuring wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.
Croatia With A Dull Start
Croatia enjoyed strong support from the stands, with their fans displaying a huge banner during the national anthem that read, “When we get going, heaven and earth will burn.” Despite this, Croatia started slowly as Spain dominated possession in their trademark fashion.
Spain demonstrated their increasing versatility under De la Fuente with their first goal. An excellent through ball from Ruiz inside his own half sent Morata clean through, and the captain finished coolly past a stranded Dominik Livakovic.
Ruiz doubled Spain’s lead just three minutes later, skillfully jinking past two Croatian defenders inside the box before shooting through Josip Sutalo’s legs into the bottom corner.
Croatia almost responded immediately, echoing the end-to-end nature of their thrilling last-16 clash at Euro 2020, which Spain won 5-3 after extra time. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon quickly got down to save Marcelo Brozovic’s shot, and Lovro Majer could only hit the side-netting on the rebound.
Croatia continued to create chances, with Josko Gvardiol’s cross-cum-shot narrowly missing both Ante Budimir in the center and the far post. However, full-back Dani Carvajal, who scored the opening goal in Real Madrid’s recent Champions League final triumph, sealed the game in first-half added time.
Yamal collected the ball after a corner was cleared and curled a superb cross into the middle for Carvajal, who stretched to stab home on the volley.
In the second half, Croatia tried to press forward but left spaces for Spain to exploit. Yamal was denied the record for the youngest Euros scorer when Livakovic made a fine save to turn away his low effort. Marc Cucurella, controversially selected by De la Fuente at left-back, made a crucial block to prevent Josip Stanisic from giving Croatia hope.
