It’s become a bit of a tradition. There is no Euro without Spain-Croatia. Since Euro 2012, the two teams have faced each other each time. Unlike in 2016 where the Croats took the upper hand (2-1), La Roja supplanted the Modric gang as in 2012 (1-0) and in 2021 (5-3, after extra time). Unlike other clashes, this battle in Berlin was one-sided.
The key to the match: Spanish verticality and the feverish Croatian defensive axis
If you occasionally watch the Iberians during major competitions, you must have been surprised. No more excessive possession and permanent doubling of passes in Luis Enrique tiki-taka style. Under Luis de la Fuente, the 2010 world champion is looking for more depth.
Certainly well helped by the feverish Croatian defensive axis, Pedri’s partners quickly broke a fragile barrier. From the half hour mark, Morata won his face-to-face after being well launched by Fabian Ruiz with a pass cutting through the midfield of the last semi-finalist of the World Cup.
Three minutes later, it was Ruiz who doubled the lead, again with a shot in the middle. And in added time of the first period, Carvajal perfectly cut a cross from Yamal. Enough to give pimples to the central pair Pongracic-Sutalo who could well experience a nightmare next Thursday against Italy if they repeat such a feat.
Player of the match: Fabian Ruiz, the other face
In front of their TV, PSG supporters had to pray that Luis Campos would bring Fabian Ruiz back to them this summer. The problem is that the median creative has been evolving in the capital of PSG for two years without excelling. Once the selection jersey is on your back, it’s no longer quite the same player.
This Saturday, he excelled by truly embodying the role of conductor. Technically skilful, Ruiz delighted in the image of this sublime assist on the opening score. If Modric had announced at a press conference “that years don’t count. You are never too young or too old. What matters is what we show on the pitch”, we can say that he was really turning 38 in the German capital. Ruiz eliminated him easily with a hook before putting the ball out of Livakovic’s reach. To complete an almost perfect match for Spain. With one exception: Morata’s muscle injury who had to leave his place (67th).
The fact of the match: the Petkovic sketch
Aside from two attempts directly after conceding the first two goals, by Kovacic and Brozovic, Zlatko Dalić’s men never seemed to be able to get back into the game. Except when Cucurella saved a recovery from Stanisic in front of his line (55th). And when Simon, the Spanish goalkeeper, wanted to add suspense by missing his restart.
Alone in front of the empty goal, Petkovic tripped himself. But hooked just before, the attacker won a penalty. Which he missed but which finally gave birth to a goal thanks to the foresight of Perisic who had followed well and who offered him the goal with a superb shift. Except that the production was finally canceled in a phase of confusion sealing this sketch
The number: 16
Yamal has already broken two records. By being started when he was only 16 years, 11 months and 2 days old, he became the youngest player to play a Euro match. Kacper Kozlowski, the previous record holder, is erased from the shelves (17 years and 246 days in 2021 with Poland against Spain).
The Barcelona player also became the youngest player to provide an assist. And he was close to supplanting Johan Vonlanthen, youngest scorer in a Euro at 18 years and 141 days in 2004, but the Croatian goalkeeper prevented him (52nd). Until next Thursday?
Datasheet
Spain: Simon; Carvajal, Nacho, Le Normand, Cucurella; Rodri (87th Zubimendi), Pedri (59th Dani Olmo), Ruiz; Williams (68th Merino), Yamal (86th Ferran Torres), Morata (67th Oyarzabal)
Croatia: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Brozovic, Modric (65th Pasalic), Kovacic (65th Sucic), Majer, Kramaric (72nd Petkovic), Budimir (56th Perisic)
Referee: Mr.Oliver
Warning : Rodri
The goals : 29th Morata (1-0), 32nd Fabian Ruiz (2-0), 45th+2 Carvajal (3-0)
