Spain dominated Croatia with a commanding 3-0 victory, scoring all three goals in a brilliant first half to secure a strong start in their Euro 2024 Group B debut on Saturday.
The Spaniards, aiming for a record fourth Euro title, showcased their prowess with quick strikes – Fabian Ruiz assisted Alvaro Morata in the 29th minute and then added a goal of his own shortly after.
Croatia, aiming to replicate their recent World Cup success at a Euro tournament where they’ve never progressed past the knockout stage, were outplayed by Spain’s sharp attacking style.
Coach Zlatko Dalic’s game plans unraveled within the first half-hour. Despite Croatian fans outnumbering Spanish supporters tenfold in the vast Olympiastadion, Spain took charge from the beginning with an assertive pressing game.
The Spanish teenager, displaying confidence in his tournament debut, came close to scoring himself seven minutes into the second half.
However, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made a brilliant one-handed save to deny him. Croatia then had a clear chance to score shortly after, but neither Budimir nor Josip Stanisic could find the back of the net.