In the Euro 2024 Group B clash, Spain put up a sterling performance to defeat Croatia 3-0. It seemed as if the strength and vigour of La Roja had been finely restored, silencing the vast contingent of visiting Croatian supporters with a 3-0 lead at half-time.
The pressure was clearly visible on 38-year-old Luka Modrić as he attempted to keep pace with the 16-year-old Spanish wonderkid, Lamine Yamal. Within the intense first half hour, both teams managed to create three unambiguous opportunities each. Mostly, Croatia displayed a superior offensive strategy under the Berlin evening’s warm glow.
The key to victory, however, was Spain’s meticulous precision, complemented by Nico Williams and Yamal’s consistent threats from the wings. Their terrifying speed outmaneuvered Zlatko Dalić’s defense, a force generally resilient and formidable.
Every Spanish goal was reciprocated by a similar Croatian chance, but the score stood at 3-0 at the end of the match, and the drama was certainly not lost on the 68,844 spectators in attendance.
Euro 2024 appears to have already adopted a distinctive pattern of play. In a parallel to Toni Kroos leading Germany to a 5-1 victory over Scotland in Munich the previous Friday, Modrić started in a defensive post beside the other Croatian defenders, making the Spanish bullfighters break into a sweat.
Upon being besieged by Williams and Yamal, the extraordinary talent of Real Madrid swiftly signalled Mateo Kovačić, coinciding with the same strategy that had Germany’s captain, İlkay Gündoğan, fluster the Scots.
Croatia had given an impression of concocting a spectacular performance for the initial 28 minutes; the nervous and confused Spanish were clearly rattled without ball possession. The solution came as Rodri and Fabián Ruiz chose a direct approach over the traditional tiki-taka style and setup Álvaro Morata’s first goal by surgically dissecting the Croatian defence, leaving goalkeeper Dominik Livaković helpless.
Swiftly, Kovacic began to surge but, forced to his secondary left foot, his quick shot was aptly handled by Unai Simón.
Spain swiftly scored a second time, thanks to Yamal’s drive from the right flank, and Fabián Ruiz’s skilful prising apart of Modric and Marcelo Brozovic to deftly deliver a goal. As a result, Spain was two goals ahead, both of which were scored towards the vigorously enthusiastic Croatian spectators.
Immediately following this, Kovačić let loose a powerful strike with his superior right foot, only to be blocked by Unai Simón and directed towards Lovro Majer. Majer responded with a forceful rebound that ended up in the side netting.
Afterwards, Joško Gvardiol charged down the pitch but his pass across the six-yard box eluded Ante Budimir, the Manchester City defender. Once again, Spanish precision was showcased by Yamal’s sidestep inside, followed by a left-footed cross that found the foot of Dani Carvajal.
Now, there was a triple lead by the time of half-time, which ordinarily suggests a dull, tedious second half. But not in this case. Spain was eager to dish out a lesson, while Croatia held firm, refusing to throw in the towel.
Ivan Perišić’s appearance rallied the diverse Zagreb crowds behind the goal. However, Modric exited nonchalantly after 65 minutes and Morata limped off the field.
Croatia’s endeavour to match Spain’s prowess didn’t yield much success due to Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella’s defensive prowess that provided crucial blocks and interceptions. A strange series of events then unfolded involving the English referee, Michael Oliver.
When Simón’s typical clearance was tackled by Majer, the ball fell to Bruno Petkovic. But just as he got around the Spanish goalkeeper for an easy goal, he was tripped by Rodri. This offence led to a penalty and a rather surprising yellow card for the Manchester City midfielder, who looked visibly relieved and was swiftly substituted.
The spectacle had only just kicked off. Petkovic’s well-taken penalty was saved by Simón. The striker subsequently netted Perišić’s pass to score a goal. Or so it was thought. While repositioning for the kick-off, Oliver remained stationary, hand to his earpiece, and then ruled out the goal as Perišić was deemed offside during the penalty kick.
As they prepare for their clash with Italy in Gelsenkirchen this Thursday, the European champions of 2008 and 2012 are set to maintain their prudence. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they opened impressively, demolishing Costa Rica 7-0 and managing a stalemate with Germany, but suffered a setback against Japan and Morocco.
On a different note, Croatia, despite a 3-0 defeat, staged a satisfactory performance and should be eager to bounce back in their upcoming match against Albania in Hamburg this Wednesday.
Spain’s lineup composed of Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella, Pedri who was replaced by Dani Olmo at the 59th minute, Rodri substituted by Zubimendi at the 86th minute, Fabian Ruiz, Yamal who was switched for Torres at the 87th minute, Morata taken off for Oyarzabal at the 67th minute, and Williams who made way for Merino at the 68th minute.
Croatia fielded a team which included Livakovic, Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol, Modric who was replaced by M Pasalic at 66th minute, Brozovic, Kovacic subbed by Sucic at the 65th minute, Majer, Budimir who gave way to Perisic at the 56th minute and Kramaric who yielded to Petkovic at the 72nd minute. The match was officiated by England’s Michael Oliver.