June 15 – Croatia must be sick of the sight of Spain. In the nearest the Euros has to a group of death, the Spanish emerged comfortable 3-0 victors in Berlin today.
The win maintained their winning streak against Luka Modric and co.
The two teams played out one of the games of the tournament at EURO 2020 as Spain edged a round of 16 thriller 5-3 after extra time. They then beat Croatia again, this time on penalties, to win the 2023 Nations League.
The latest encounter was effectively over by half time as Spain raced into a 3-0 lead, much as Germany did against Scotland in the opening game.
Croatia’s midfield trio may have had 372 caps between them but for large parts of the game their aging legs couldn’t cope with the Spanish youthfulness, epitomised by winger Lamine Yamal who at 16 became the youngest player in tournament history.
Luka Sucic of Croatiaunder pressure from Dani Olmo
After being pegged back early doors, the Croatians had actually just started to play their way back into the game when they conceded.
Alvaro Morata may not be everyone’s cup of tea but only Cristiano Ronaldo and a certain Michel Platini have scored more goals in the Euros and when the Spanish captain was played through on goal, he finished with aplomb.
On 32 minutes the lead was doubled, Yamal’s assist finding Fabian Ruiz who dribbled past two opponents with quick feet and wonderful balance before firing into the net via the tiniest of deflections.
Croatia are so often reliable at the back but having twice been punished, they were in deep peril.
They almost pulled one back when Marcelo Brozovic’s low drive was expertly pushed away by Unai Simon but although Lovro Majer was first to the ball, he could only find the side-netting.
They then had an even better chance to half the deficit when Josko Gvardiol’s dangerous cross went through the hands of goalkeeper Unai Simon. All it needed was a touch from Ante Budimir but from one yard out he somehow failed to make…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/06/15/spain-brush-croatia-aside-first-half-blitz/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-06-15 19:21:27
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