Spain vs Croatia Key Highlights: Spain starts EURO 2024 with dominant victory | ESP 3-0 CRO
Spain rallied to take a three-goal lead in the first half against Croatia at Euro 2024. Goals from Alvaro Morata, PSG’s Fabian Ruiz, and Real Madrid‘s Dani Carvajal saw La Roja head down the tunnel with a comfortable cushion.
Croatia had their chances in the second half, including a penalty. However, they failed to capitalize. Spain did the damage in a short period to get the job done and make a massive statement in Group B.
Spain vs Croatia Highlights
29‘– GOAL: Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for Spain in the 29th minute. Morata was through on goal in a counter-attack. The Spain captain kept his head to comfortably slot the ball past Dominik Livakovic.
30‘-Save: Mateo Kovacic looked to respond shortly afterward. After making a run onto the Spain penalty area, the Manchester City midfielder had his left-footed effort saved by Unai Simon.
32‘–GOAL: After setting up Morata’s goal, Fabian Ruiz was in the thick of things yet again. He scored a sensational solo goal in the 32nd minute to put La Roja two goals ahead.
33‘–Miss: Croatia looks to respond again. Marcelo Brozovic forces a save from Unai Simon. Lovro Majer, though, fails to find the back of the net from a close distance after having his effort saved.
45+2‘–GOAL: Spain makes it three before halftime. Young Lamine Yamal delivered a delicious cross into the penalty area that Dani Carvajal poked into goal in a calm manner.
53‘-Save: Dominik Livakovic brilliantly denies Lamine Yamal after Pedri sets his Barcelona teammate up.
55‘-Miss: Marc Cucurella brilliantly blocks Josip Stanisic’s effort from point-blank range.
81‘-Miss: Bruno Petkovic gets denied by Unai Simon from the penalty spot.
Player of the Match: Lamine Yamal (Spain)
The Barcelona player’s speed and skill were too much for the Croatian defense. The 16-year-old played a part in Ruiz’s goal and set up Carvajal’s effort with a superb cross.
Key moment:
Dani Carvajal’s goal right before halftime.
Key player: Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
Fabian Ruiz. One goal and one assist for the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder. He won 100% of his tackles, completed two dribbles, and, won four of his five ground duels.
Key Stats
Only four sides have taken a 3-0 lead in the history of the European Championships. Three of them have taken place in 2024. Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, became the youngest player in the history of the Euros with his appearance against Croatia.
Conclusion:
Spain made a real statement in the hardest group at Euro 2024. They dispatched Croatia in a manner few expected. With Italy also in the group, Croatia have a tough task ahead. Spain, meanwhile, have put them in a brilliant situation, considering their goal difference is also good.