Spain Secures Convincing Win Against Croatia As Lamine Yamal Shines In Euro 2024 Debut
Lamine Yamal described his historic Euro 2024 debut as a dream after Spain defeated Croatia 3-0 in their Group B opener on Saturday. At 16 years and 338 days, Yamal became the youngest player to feature at the European Championships, rewarding Luis de la Fuente's faith with an impressive performance.
The Barcelona winger's inviting cross was prodded home by Dani Carvajal for Spain's third goal, following strikes from Alvaro Morata and Fabian Ruiz. Only fellow youngster Pedri matched his total of three chances created, while he led all players for crosses (three) and saw his three successful dribbles equalled only by Dani Olmo.
Speaking after the game, Yamal said of Spain's display: "We trust ourselves a lot. We went out to give it our all because three points already does a lot in the group stage. It's a dream. I'm very happy to have played in the European Championship. The team is very confident. Now we have to go all out against Italy. Nothing changes for one game. We go with the same confidence. The work of these last few months has been reflected today."
Dani Carvajal became the oldest player to score for Spain in the Euros at 32 years and 156 days, assisted by Yamal, the youngest to assist in the competition's history at 16 years and 338 days.
1 - Dani Carvajal has become the oldest player to score for #Spain in the #EUROs (32 years and 156 days), assisted by Lamine Yamal, the youngest to assist in the history of the competition (16 years and 338 days). Spicy.pic.twitter.com/m9RgG3S32Q
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) June 15, 2024
Spain now leads a group many regard as the toughest at the tournament ahead of facing Italy and Albania. Captain Morata moved to seven European Championship goals with his opener, with only Cristiano Ronaldo (14) and Michel Platini (nine) scoring more.
Morata later appeared to be holding his leg in discomfort when he was substituted for Mikel Oyarzabal but assured fans he would be fit to face Italy on Thursday. "It was important to start like this," Morata said. "We pressed a great team very well. We must go for the games from the start and now think about the next one."
On his injury, he added: "It was just a blow; I was loading other parts of my leg. The best thing was to go out and have another team-mate play better."
Possession Statistics
Despite their 3-0 victory, Spain had less possession than their opponents (47%) for the first time in a competitive match since the EURO 2008 final against Germany (46%), ending a run of 136 such matches with the majority of possession.
136 - Despite their 3-0 victory, Spain had less possession than their opponents (47%) for the first time in a competitive match since the EURO 2008 final against Germany (46%), ending a run of 136 such matches with the majority of possession. Renewal?pic.twitter.com/GE3PF14okd
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 15, 2024
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