Spain cruised past Croatia in Berlin on Saturday to take control of Group B.
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The Spaniards raced into a 3-0 lead by half time as Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal were on target and it could have been worse for Croatia.
Youngsters Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Nico Williams pressed Croatia high and the veteran side couldn’t cope with Spain’s quality on the ball once they won it back.
Croatia thought they had pulled one back late on through Bruno Petkovic after his initial penalty kick was saved but he tucked home the rebound, however VAR ruled out the goal for encroachment and that summed up Croatia’s day.
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Morata and Rodri both appearing to come off with slight knocks late on was the only negative for Spain, as this win gives them the perfect platform ahead of their monster Group B clash against fellow giants Italy on Thursday.
Young stars shine as Spain press high
This was a very impressive gameplan from Spain as they pressed Croatia into mistakes and the veteran side couldn’t handle the tempo Spain played at. With Rodri stepping high to win the ball back time and time again in midfield, the attacking trio of Yamal (16), Williams (21) and Pedri (21) stayed high and were so dangerous on the transition. Morata played on the last shoulder but also dropped deep and allowed Spain’s young attackers to do damage in dangerous positions one-on-one. Watching this Spain side buzz around was very similar to Germany’s performance against Scotland. Having a fluid number nine drags defenders all over the place and if your attacking midfielders are able to time their runs and drift into pockets of space then they will have a field day. Spain gave up some big chances from crosses into the box which was the only concern from this performance, but they have more than enough in midfield and attack to go deep at this tournament. The semifinalist from three years ago look more dangerous going forward and have a lovely balance of youth and experience. Could this be Spain’s year?
Spain vs Croatia player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com you can see Spains midfield and attack purred, while defensively they were put to work but managed to keep a clean sheet despite some dicey moments. Fabian Ruiz was sublime on the ball in midfield as he scored and had a beautiful assist on the crucial opening goal.
What’s next?
Spain play against Italy in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday, June 20 in a huge clash in Group B. Croatia face Albania in Hamburg on Wednesday, June 19 in what is now a must-win game.
How to watch Spain vs Croatia stream link and start time
Kick off: Noon ET, Saturday (June 15)
Stadium: Olympiastadion Berlin
How to watch on TV in USA: Fox Sports
Spain vs Croatia live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Spain vs Croatia final score: 3-0
Morata 29’, Ruiz 32’, Carvajal 47’
Full time: Spain 3-0 Croatia
All of the damage was done in the first half as Spain pressed Croatia high and took the chances which fell their way. This was a ruthless display from a very talented Spanish side and even though they gave up a few big chances, they will be extremely happy with this performance. Yamal, Williams and Pedri will be a real handful at this tournament.
Penalty to Croatia after Petkovic goes down but Simon saves it, then Petkovic scores... but the goal is ruled out for encroachment by VAR
Well, that was chaos. Petkovic goes down under minimum contact (if any!?) from Rodri and a penalty is given. Rodri is booked and the penalty is awarded. Petkovic’s penalty kick is saved by Simon but the sub then slots home the rebound. But VAR is involved again as Croatia players encroached into the area to square the ball to Petkovic, so the goal is ruled out. Chaos. Justice prevailed after that pretty ridiculous dive from Petkovic in the first place.
After a VAR review, this goal does not stand for Croatia pic.twitter.com/k6NgQFBDIq
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
A penalty was given for this challenge in the box by Spain
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
Was it the right call? pic.twitter.com/fpmQdJSkZX
Morata doesn’t look best pleased as he comes off
Is that an injury for Spain captain Alvaro Morata? He looked uncomfortable as he was subbed off and has previously been chatting with Spain’s coaching staff on the sidelines before he came off. Morata has been excellent today with his runs in-behind to stretch Croatia’s defense. Like Havertz for Germany and Kane for England, Morata’s movement opens up so much space for the other attackers around him.
Croatia just had to score but Cucurella comes up with a huge block
The ball breaks to Stanisic at the back post but Cucurella somehow blocks his effort, then Simon punches clear with Kramaric about to head home the rebound. Croatia have come so close once again.
Spain so close to a fourth but Livakovic denies Yamal, then Morata goes close
Advantage is played my referee Michael Oliver and Pedri drives into the box and plays in Yamal but his finish across goal is well saved by Livakovic. Croatia are hanging on here. Morata then knees Yamal’s cross wide from close range.
We are back underway in the second half and Spain continue to look dangerous
This Spanish side are fearless and Williams, Pedri and Yamal are pressing at every opportunity with Rodri driving forward form behind them. Croatia can’t handle this.
Half time: Spain 3-0 Croatia
That was a fun first half in Berlin. Spain were more dangerous throughout with Ruiz and Rodri dominant in midfield, but Croatia had their chances too. Spain are playing at such a high tempo and are winning the ball back so often. Croatia just can’t hang with them and Carvajal’s goal right on half time surely puts the game beyond Croatia.
Carvajal scores with the last attack of the first half - Spain 3-0 Croatia (47th minute)
A short corner is played to Yamal and he whips in a perfect cross for Caravajal to tap home from close range. That should be game, set and match to Spain.
16-year-old Lamine Yamal with a PERFECT ball 🎯
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
The youngest player in Euros history is already making an impact on the game 👏 pic.twitter.com/NbrBkM7HSY
How have Croatia not scored there!?
A cross into the box finds Gvardiol and he smashes the ball across goal but it just evades Budimir at the back post. Croatia inches away from getting back into this right before half time.
Chances at both ends!
First Brozovic forces Simon into a good stop down low and Majer then slams the rebound into the side-netting. At the other end Spain could have a third but they head over from a corner. Chances galore. Spain’s high press is causing all kinds of problems for Croatia. They can’t handle it.
They have another one! Ruiz with a fine finish - Spain 2-0 Croatia (32nd minute)
He now has an assist and a goal. What a day for Fabian Ruiz and what a start for Spain. He dances away from a couple of players and slots home down low. Spain in dreamland.
THAT. WAS. BEAUTIFUL. 🤯
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
Take a bow, Fabián Ruiz 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/lgNx9eOPCn
Spain lead and it’s the skipper Morata! - Spain 1-0 Croatia (29th minute)
Well, they deserve that. Rodri gets to the ball first and finds Fabian Ruiz who plays a superb ball through the heart of the Croatian defense and Morata is clean through and slots home calmly. He had a lot of time to think about that but kept his nerve. No more than Spain deserve for their positive start.
Álvaro 🔥 Morata 🔥
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2024
SPAIN STRIKES FIRST OVER CROATIA 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/mxsQtNAvz9
First chance for Croatia but Budimir heads wide
Decent chance for Croatia as a cross is whipped in from the right and Budimir attacks it but his header is way off target. He was under pressure. Promising signs, finally, for Croatia.
Spain really forcing the issue
Teenager Yamal (he’s 16 and has just become the youngest ever player in the men’s European Championship history) set up Morata but he hits a tame effort on goal. Spain are probing and looking for the right pass. Croatia have barely got into Spain’s half. Very positive start from the Spanish.
We are underway in sunny Berlin
A simply stunning day for a game (or anything for that matter) in the German capital. Spain and Croatia are taking turns keeping the ball early on as Rodri is typically very involved in midfield. This is going to be a lot of fun.
Spain lineup
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Croatia lineup
Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric; Brozovic, Kovacic; Majer, Budimir, Kramaric
Spain team news, focus
There are trophy-winners all over the field but the defense is a little long in the tooth. And how sharp is Aymeric Laporte following a season in Saudi Arabia? Spain is most dangerous, however, with its ability to control the game from the middle of the park. Rodri, Pedro, Fabian Ruiz, and Mikel Merino are a terrific group.
Croatia team news, focus
Speaking of long in the tooth, Croatia still have Ivan Perisic (35), Luka Modric (38), and Domagoj Vida (35) in the team, but a pair of Man City stars may be the difference in 22-year-old Josko Gvardiol and 30-year-old Mateo Kovacic. Modric enters the tournament with 175 caps and remains a critical component and Fenerbahce keeper Dominik Livakovic has been big in previous tournament.
Spain vs Croatia prediction
This one could be cagey, but we expect the Spanish to ultimately win the midfield and the game. Spain 2-1 Croatia.
