Spain cruise past Croatia in Euro 2024 opener

Spain defeated Croatia 3-0, scoring three goals in a stunning first half to secure maximum points in their Euro 2024 Group B opener on Saturday and confirm their status as title contenders.

The Spaniards, chasing a record fourth European title, scored twice in three minutes, with Fabian Ruiz setting up captain Alvaro Morata in the 29th minute before scoring himself.

Dani Carvajal volleyed in from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal's assist, with the teenager becoming the youngest player to compete in a European Championship.

The Croats, desperate to replicate their World Cup success in recent years at the Euros, where they have never won a knockout game, were no match for Spain's clever attacking play, with coach Zlatko Dalic's plans dashed after about 30 minutes.

Spain, who won the Nations League on penalties against Croatia last year, will next play Italy, while Croatia will face Albania.

Croatian fans outnumbered Spanish fans in the cavernous Olympiastadion by at least ten to one, but it was the Spaniards who took the initiative with a high-pressing game.

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists and semi-finalists four years later, gradually gained more possession to relieve pressure and created a half-chance with an Ante Budimir header that missed the target.

Spain took the lead after a lightning-quick three-pass combination and transition, with Fabian delivering a defence-splitting through ball to Morata.

Before Croatia could recover, their opponents struck again, with Pedri finding Fabian on the edge of the box and the midfielder dribbling past three players to slot the ball home.

With Croatia's defence in disarray, Yamal floated a cross into the box, and Carvajal slipped past three defenders to volley home the third goal.

Yamal, who showed no nerves in his tournament debut, nearly scored seven minutes after the restart, but keeper Dominik Livakovic made a fantastic one-handed save to deny him.

Croatia had a triple chance, but neither Budimir nor Josip Stanisic could get the ball over the line.

They earned an 80th-minute penalty, which Spain's Unai Simon saved from Bruno Petkovic, who scored on the rebound but was ruled out for encroachment.

SportsLigue