Spain kicked off their European Championship campaign against a difficult Croatian side. Their previous encounter in the Euro 2020 saw them manage a 5-3 win over the Croatians. Euro 2024 seems to be a different ball game, however.
Luis De La Fuente had chosen a side of young talent and experienced players to face the Croatians. The Spanished set up a 4-3-3 formation. Unai Simon started at the goal for Spain.
La Roja had the combination of Carvajal and Cucurella as their Right and Left backs respectively. Le Normand and Nacho constituted as their center-back pair.
Their midfield was led by the Man City star Rodri. He partnered alongside Fabian Ruiz and Pedri. Up front was a mixture of youth and experience. As 16-year-old Yamal and 21-year-old Williams were on the flanks. While Morata was up front as the center forward.
In the end De La Fuente’s lineup looked to prevail as Spain outclassed Croatia.
Spain Subdues Croatia: First Half
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The game started with Croatia dominating possession. A quite unusual scenario. They dominated so well they came across a couple of chances. They failed to make the best use of it.
Moreover, Spain soon came across an opportunity. Croatia’s attack got dispossessed leading to Rodri sending a line-breaking pass. The pass caught Morata who drove into the box and slotted home a fine finish past Livakovic.
Croatia doubled up with a chance from Kovacic. However, Spain soon got another goal, as Pedri released Fabian Ruiz near the box. The PSG star dribbled his way into the box. And he ended it with a low sublime shot past Livakovic.
Croatia however kept trying their possible best to find the back of the net. But it seemed impossible. Soon Spain made it 3 with a cross from Yamal that allowed a free Carvajal to tip in the third.
By the end of the first half, it seemed the game was already done for.
Spain Subdues Croatia: Second Half
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In the second half. Croatia continued to push their luck in finding a glimmer of hope. Spain still looked dangerous as they nearly worsened things. Lamine Yamal had a shot finely saved by Livakovic. Yamal had received the pass from Pedri who drove past the Croatian defenders.
Croatia kept on creating more chances. Soon what seemed like a breakthrough came for Croatia. Unai Simon misplaces a pass to Petkovic who drove into the face of goal. However, a slight tackle from Rodri hampered him. Rodri was yellow-carded. There were a lot of arguments about whether it was meant to be read.
Petkovic took the penalty and he missed. The rebound fell on Perisic who squared back to Petkovic. He makes no mistake in scoring this time. But to Croatia’s disappointment, the goal was disallowed due to encroachment.
The game eventually ended in a 3-0 win in La Roja’s favor.
Man of the Match Performance
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A lot of Spanish players had a stellar performance. Yamal had an assist, whilst also dazzling on the wing. Pedri also blossomed with his creativity.
Nonetheless, Rodri was the pivot to most of all their performance. The Man City saw the game through in every aspect. From the defensive line to the attacking line. He perfectly handled the tempo while also creating chances.
His passes set the team up in a position to score and generate more chances. He also had an assist to his name.
Fabian Ruiz who was also officially given the Man of the Match, was also a masterpiece in the game. He had a goal to prove for himself. The PSG star was also all over the pitch. Creating chances and marshaling everything that goes in each end. The combination of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the edge over the Croatians.
De La Fuente and Yamal On the Game
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The coach said: “I am very happy for everyone who has worked so hard to get to this point. This group is ambitious and it is a huge family, so I’m delighted for everyone.
“But we must keep our feet on the ground. We’ve started well, which gives us a bit of security, but now we need to think about Italy.
“My family and friends were in the stands and I transmitted my emotions at the end of the match. We played a very complete game. For such a young team to keep such concentration throughout was particularly pleasing.”
De La Fuente spoke about Lamine Yamal and Fabian Ruiz on the game Lamine Yamal “He just keeps breaking records. He needs to keep growing and I’m sure one day he’ll be one of the best.”
He then continued about Fabian Ruiz saying “If Fabian wasn’t called Fabian you would talk a lot more about him,” insisted De la Fuente. “He is an exceptional player.”
Lamine Yamal also expressed about the game saying “I’m so happy to win, and make my debut, but now we think about the next game,” Yamal said. “I’m here to help the team, in both defense and attack, wherever I’m needed.
“We were very effective today because of the months of hard work we have put in.”
More Challenges to Come for Spain
Spain will play against another tougher side Italy. The same Italy had evicted them on penalties in the semifinal of Euros 2020 Also over the past 16 years and 4 Euros Italy and Spain had always met. However, Spain will be hoping to get maximum points against the Italians to secure an early qualification.
About the Author
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a football fan for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his X (Twitter) handle: @kng7.
