Spain began their quest for a fourth European Championship in spectacular fashion, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Croatia at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
First-half goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal essentially sealed the match before the break.
Despite Croatia’s minimal resistance, this victory serves as a significant statement from La Roja.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, starting at the age of 16 years and 338 days, became the youngest player in men’s Euros history.
However, it was Spain’s veteran who opened the scoring, silencing the Croatian fans who had thronged Germany’s capital.
Ruiz, receiving the ball at the halfway line, spotted Morata’s run and threaded a precise pass for him to slot past Dominik Livakovic, marking Morata’s 36th goal for Spain.
After almost half an hour of probing, Luis de la Fuente’s squad doubled their lead in just over three minutes. Ruiz scored after skillfully navigating past two defenders and firing a shot that deflected off Josip Sutalo and into the net.
Croatia nearly reduced the deficit when Josko Gvardiol’s powerful shot bypassed Unai Simon but eluded Ante Budimir’s attempt to divert it on target.
Spain, however, maintained their offensive momentum, with Carvajal converting a cross from Yamal in first-half stoppage time, following a corner.
Yamal came close to scoring himself early in the second half, but Livakovic made a superb save to deny him from close range.
Croatia’s woes deepened when Bruno Petkovic’s late penalty was saved by Simon, and the video assistant referee nullified his follow-up for encroachment.
The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists will seek to revive their Group B campaign against Albania in Hamburg on Thursday, while Spain faces titleholders Italy in Gelsenkirchen.
The atmosphere in Berlin was dominated by around 100,000 Croatian fans, who donned their distinctive chequered shirts and filled the city with a festive spirit.
However, their enthusiasm dwindled as the match unfolded.
Croatia managed their first shot or touch in the Spanish penalty area after 22 minutes, and aside from the penalty awarded for Rodri’s foul on Petkovic, Simon was tested only twice meaningfully.
Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic were substituted after 66 minutes, likely to preserve their energy, with the 38-year-old Modric unable to provide his usual inspiration.
Meanwhile, a small but vocal group of Spanish fans celebrated as their team dominated. Captain Rodri had declared his side as “serious candidates” for the Euros, and their performance validated his confidence.
Spain’s defense was equally commendable, exemplified by Marc Cucarella’s crucial block to deny Lovro Majer in the second half.
With tougher challenges ahead, starting with Italy, Spain’s convincing opener suggests they are well-prepared.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized the need for composure despite the team’s strong start.
“I am very pleased. Of course, it gives us a big boost and calmness as well,” De La Fuente said. “But in five days, we have such an important game against Italy.
“Above all, we need to stay calm. Our target is still very far away, and we have to just keep our feet on the ground.
“Part of my job is doing that. We cannot control what happens on the outside, but we must control internally, inside the training camp. That’s the message we want to send out – that we need to stay wary. We have to feel proud as well as motivated, but we have to keep improving in the next game because that is how we will go far.
“The country is going to be very excited, but we are aware of that and of the euphoria, so we have to just stay calm and be professional, because staying calm is power.”
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic apologized to the traveling fans, admitting his team lacked aggression.
“It was a great atmosphere. I don’t know how many Croatia supporters were here, but I apologize to them for this bad show,” he said.
“We gave Spain a lot of space, especially on the flanks.
“We were too far from their players, especially in the first half, giving space and time on both sides to Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, and Alvaro Morata.
“When you give such good players so much space, it is difficult.”
