Spain acquired off to a vibrant begin at Euro 2024 when Alvaro Morata sealed a 3-0 win over Croatia in Berlin on Saturday, with Lamine Yamal changing into the youngest participant within the competitors's historical past. The three-time European champions have typically been accused of being weak in assault throughout latest main tournaments, however on the Olympiastadion they produced a charming show to demolish a disappointing Croatia. Morata broke the impasse within the twenty ninth minute together with his seventh Euro objective, transferring joint third on the all-time checklist with Alan Shearer and Antoine Griezmann.
Fabian Ruiz scored the second objective quickly after with an excellent particular person objective.
Yamal made an influence by way of Dani Carvajal and successfully put the match to mattress simply earlier than half-time, whereas Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic missed a last-minute penalty.
A repeat of final 12 months's Nations League closing, which Spain gained on penalties after a 0-0 draw, exhibits that La Roja are able to competing for a record-breaking fourth European Championship title.
World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, nevertheless, have lots to do if they’re to achieve the knockout stage for a fifth consecutive main event as they play towards Albania and defending champions Italy in Group B.
Luka Modric, typically their supply of inspiration, was taken off by coach Zlatko Dalic halfway by way of the second half.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente introduced an thrilling beginning XI together with wingers Nico Williams and Yamal.
The Barcelona star, aged 16 years and 338 days, broke the earlier report for the youngest participant on the Euros, held by Polish worldwide Kacper Kozlowski, who performed at Euro 2020 on the age of 17 years and 246 days.
– Croatia begin slowly –
Croatia acquired enormous assist from the gang, with their followers holding up an enormous banner throughout their nationwide anthem which learn “Heaven and earth will burn once we march”.
However Croatia acquired off to a gradual begin as Spain dominated the ball in typical type.
Spain additionally confirmed their growing versatility with their first objective below De la Fuente when an excellent by way of ball from Ruiz inside his personal half arrange Morata and the captain made no mistake by beating Dominik Livakovic to attain.
Three minutes later, Ruiz put Spain in full management when he beat two Croatia defenders contained in the field and shot by way of the legs of Josip Sutalo into the underside nook.
Croatia pulled a objective again nearly instantly as the sport started to reflect the end-to-end nature of the thrilling last-16 encounter between the 2 groups at Euro 2020, which Spain gained 5-3 after additional time.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon was fast to dam Marcelo Brozovic's shot and Lovro Majer may solely head into the side-netting from the rebound.
Croatia continued to create possibilities as Josko Guardiol's cross-cum-shot was narrowly saved by each Ante Budimir within the centre and the far put up.
However full-back Carvajal, who scored the primary objective in Actual Madrid's Champions League closing win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, killed the sport off in first-half added time.
Yamal took possession of the ball after the nook was cleared and produced an excellent cross into the center for Carvajal who headed the ball into the online on the volley.
Croatia tried to go forward early within the second interval however left possibilities for Spain and denied Yamal the prospect to change into the youngest Euro scorer when Livakovic made an excellent save to maintain out his low effort.
Marc Cucurella, controversially chosen at left-back by De la Fuente, made a goal-saving save to forestall Josip Stanisic from holding Croatia's hopes alive.
Substitute Petkovic thought he had pulled a objective again when he scored after his penalty was saved by Simon.
However the objective was dominated out by VAR for encroachment by Ivan Perisic, giving Spain a near-perfect efficiency to maintain a clear sheet.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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