In match no 3 of the Euro Cup 2024, Spain beat Croatia by 3:0 to kick off their campaign in extraordinary fashion. Spain gave its fans a glimpse of the 2008-12 team performance as they dismantled the Croatian defence with their display of skills and strategy. On June 15 2024, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Spain showcased their football prowess leaving Croatia clueless throughout the entirety of the game. With this win, Spain is leading in the Group A standings of the Euro Cup 2024.
Talking about the line-up, both sides were filled with star-studded performers. The starting lineup of both sides is mentioned below.
Spain Football Team playing XI: Unai Simon (GK), Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Nacho, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams, Luis de la Fuente (Coach).
Croatia Football Team playing XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric, Luis de la Fuente (Coach)
Euro Cup 2024 Spain 3 Croatia 0 Final Score
The game started with Spain’s captain, Alvaro Morata, making a significant impact by scoring the first goal of the match. Morata’s goal, his 36th for his country, was a testament to his experience and skill on the field. Fabian Ruiz, another standout player for Spain, provided the assist for Morata’s goal, setting the tone for a dynamic and exciting match.
Ruiz wasn’t just an excellent provider; he also showcased his scoring ability by netting Spain’s second goal. His brilliant run and finish in the 32nd minute demonstrated his versatility and his importance to the Spanish team. The third goal, scored by Dani Carvajal, sealed the deal for Spain. Carvajal’s goal, coming just before halftime, was a crucial moment in the match, effectively quashing any hopes Croatia had of a comeback.
An Undestructive Spanish Wall of Defence.
Croatia, despite their best efforts, struggled to break through Spain’s solid defence. Their best chance came in the form of a penalty, which was ultimately saved by Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simon. The penalty, awarded after a foul on Bruno Petkovic, could have been a turning point in the match, but Simon’s save ensured that Spain maintained their clean sheet.
Spain’s performance was not just about the goals; it was a complete team effort. The midfield was controlled by Spain, with their players dictating the pace of the game and ensuring that Croatia had limited opportunities to create meaningful attacks. Overall, Spain’s victory over Croatia was a statement of intent. They showed that they are a team to be reckoned with in the Euro Cup 2024. With their next match against Italy, Spain will look to build on this performance and continue their journey towards the championship.
As for Croatia, they will need to regroup and analyze their performance to bounce back in their next match against Albania. The Euro Cup is a tournament of surprises, and Croatia will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming matches.
Key Stats
- Spain have now lost just one opening match in their previous 12 EURO appearances (W6 D5) – the sole defeat coming against Norway at EURO 2000 (L 1-0).
- La Roja have kept seven clean sheets in their last nine EURO group stage matches.
- De la Fuente’s team have scored three goals or more in six of their last seven matches.
- Álvaro Morata is now the joint-third top scorer in EURO history, with his seven goals putting him level with Antoine Griezmann and Alan Shearer.
- Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to ever feature at a EURO aged 16 years and 338 days, beating Poland’s Kacper Kozłowski, who previously held the record (17 years and 246 days).
- Croatia lost just the third of their last 13 EURO group stage matches (W7 D3).
- It was only the third time they have failed to score in their last 15 EURO group stage matches.
- Luka Modrić has now appeared in five EURO final tournaments for Croatia. His total of 14 appearances overall is more than any other Croatian player.
Upcoming Games for Spain and Croatia
Going forward, Spain will take on defending champions Italy on June 20th at Gelsenkirchen. However, Croatia is set to play Albania on June 19th in Hamburg.
READ MORE: Hungary Vs Switzerland Euro Cup 2024 Match Report
Tickets for both games can be fetched from the official website of the UEFA Euro Cup and can be live-streamed on the Sony Liv app.
