Spain progressed calmly and steadily, demonstrating on an evening of Albanian ardour and partisanship on the Rhine that this crew has the depth to be winners. England can mirror that an Albania defeat ensures their progress. That’s chilly consolation.
Luis de la Fuente fielded a reserve crew, understanding Spain would advance as group winners, and a few groups have been like that. Some have been much less well-known and admired, much less so than 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who got here on from the bench for the final half hour.
They have been somewhat drained in opposition to the Albanians, for whom it was at all times a speaking level night time. However the precision, confidence, fluidity and imaginative and prescient have been palpable.
Albania had misplaced all eight occasions in opposition to Spain, which brought on frustration, however on the night time Rojas had sufficient purpose to safe the inconceivable win they wanted to progress.
Above all, the color and vitality of the followers who poured onto this subject within the scorching solar, many carrying their distinctive geleche hats, which regarded like white Christmas pudding. They jumped up and down in unison, a kind of forward-facing 'Poznan', and set off flares in order that the opening minutes of the sport have been performed in a haze of smoke.
Ferran Torres scored low within the thirteenth minute to place Spain on the profitable monitor
Ferran Torres scores the one aim of the sport as Spain progresses to the final 16 of Euro 2024
Nevertheless, emotion may be extraordinarily exhausting to search out in soccer. Spain put in a really spectacular efficiency in opposition to Italy on Thursday, fielding a B-team – and but by half-time it regarded like nothing greater than a coaching session.
The opening aim caught everybody's consideration and you would inform it was nicely definitely worth the 300 euro ticket that was spent away.
A ball drawn throughout the pitch by Dani Olmo was headed into the online by Ferran Torres, who didn't even have to scan the horizon to know the place he was going to ship the ball. He dodged the encroaching Albanian defender Mario Mitaj like he didn't exist.
Olmo, 26, from Leipzig, might not be one of many brightest gamers within the new Spanish era, however he’s a shrewd participant between the traces. He’s a participant who ought to be saved in reserve.
Albania's Armando Broja compelled an outstanding save from Spanish goalkeeper David Rey… however nothing extra occurred
Spain ought to have proven extra sooner, despite the fact that each of the left flank gamers who remoted Italy – Nico Williams and Marc Cucurella – have been rested. Alex Grimaldo got here on and did one thing related on that flank.
His cross to Torres went waste, as did his lay-back to Mikel Merino, who missed his shot. Spain struggled for depth because it merely wasn't a necessity.
Inter Milan's Kristjan Asllani of Albania gave the followers some encouragement simply earlier than half-time. His 20-yard shot compelled David Raya to catch it with each gloves because it flew to his left. However the scale of the duty was akin to climbing the Albanian Alps carrying flip-flops.
Supervisor Luis de la Fuente has made a vivid begin to Spain's Euro 2024 marketing campaign
When the crew discovered some house within the closing third, two Actual Sociedad gamers, Martin Zubimendi and Merino, standing behind the Spanish midfield, eradicated the hazard.
By the break some Albanian supporters had begun throwing plastic cups onto the pitch, maybe feeling their crew have been too weak to have the momentum to overhaul Spain.
Early within the second half, when Spain started to make modifications and gradual their tempo, Slough-born substitute Armando Broja, who joined Fulham on mortgage from Chelsea final season, tried to move the ball to Raya, though he was simply vast of the hassle.
Albania can say they went down combating. Spain can say they’re severe contenders.
