Spain Romp Past Croatia in Euro 2024 Opener as Yamal Makes History

Spain

Spain kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Croatia in Berlin on Saturday, highlighted by Alvaro Morata's goal and Lamine Yamal's record-breaking appearance as the youngest player in the tournament's history.

The three-time European champions, often criticized for lacking offensive firepower in recent major tournaments, delivered an impressive performance at the Olympiastadion, dismantling a lackluster Croatian side.

Morata opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his seventh Euros goal, tying him for third on the all-time list alongside Alan Shearer and Antoine Griezmann. Fabian Ruiz soon doubled Spain's lead with a brilliant individual effort.

Yamal, making his mark at just 16 years and 338 days old, assisted Dani Carvajal's goal just before halftime, effectively sealing the match. Croatia's Bruno Petkovic missed a late penalty, adding to their woes.

This match, a rematch of last year's Nations League final which Spain won on penalties after a goalless draw, suggests 'La Roja' are strong contenders for a record fourth European Championship title.

Croatia, semi-finalists at the last World Cup, face a tough path to reach the knockout stages for the fifth consecutive major tournament, with challenging matches against Albania and defending champions Italy ahead in Group B.

Luka Modric, Croatia's usual talisman, was substituted midway through the second half by coach Zlatko Dalic. Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, fielded an exciting lineup featuring wingers Nico Williams and Yamal.

Yamal's debut at Euro 2024 breaks the previous record for the youngest player in the tournament, held by Poland's Kacper Kozlowski, who played at Euro 2020 at 17 years and 246 days old.

Croatia's Subdued Start

Despite enjoying the majority of support from the stands, where fans held up a massive banner reading "When we get going, heaven and earth will burn" during the national anthem, Croatia started slowly against Spain. The Spaniards dominated possession in their trademark style, showcasing their increasing versatility under coach Luis de la Fuente.

Spain's first goal came from an excellent through ball by Fabian Ruiz from inside his own half, setting Alvaro Morata clean through. The captain made no mistake, coolly finishing past a stranded Dominik Livakovic.

Ruiz put Spain in total control just three minutes later, jinking past two Croatian defenders inside the box before shooting through Josip Sutalo's legs and into the bottom corner.

Croatia almost responded immediately, echoing the end-to-end nature of their thrilling last-16 clash at Euro 2020, which Spain won 5-3 after extra time.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon quickly got down to keep out Marcelo Brozovic's shot, and Lovro Majer could only find the side-netting from the rebound. Croatia continued to create chances, with Josko Gvardiol's cross-cum-shot narrowly missing both Ante Budimir in the center and the far post.

Full-back Dani Carvajal, who scored the opening goal in Real Madrid's Champions League final triumph over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, sealed the game in first-half added time. Lamine Yamal collected the ball after a corner was cleared and curled a delicious cross into the middle for Carvajal to stretch and stab home on the volley.

Croatia tried to press forward early in the second period but left spaces for Spain to exploit. Yamal was denied another record for the youngest Euros scorer when Livakovic produced a fine save to turn away his low effort. Marc Cucurella, a controversial selection by De la Fuente at left-back, made a goal-saving block to prevent Josip Stanisic from giving Croatia hope.

Substitute Bruno Petkovic thought he had pulled one back late on when he tapped in after his penalty was saved by Simon. However, the goal was ruled out by VAR for encroachment by Ivan Perisic, ensuring Spain added a clean sheet to an almost perfect outing.