Fabian Ruiz and Lamine Yamal ran the show as three first-half goals secured Spain a 3-0 win over Croatia to kick-start their Euro 2024 campaign. After a low-key start to the game, two goals in three minutes from Alvaro Morata and Ruiz put Spain 2-0 up in 32 minutes. Dani Carvajal tucked home record-breaker Yamal's sublime delivery on the stroke of half time as Croatia looked shell-shocked. Zlatko Dalic's side improved in the second half and looked to have pulled a goal back through Bruno Petkovic, who had his penalty brilliantly saved by Unai Simon, only for it to be chalked off due to encroachment - with Ivan Perisic setting off too early and then providing the assist. In the end, the 2012 Euro winners kept a clean sheet and showed they are a force to be reckoned with.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Unai Simon (7/10):
Popped with a number of important saves in the first half to preserve Spain's lead. His distribution was questionable at times, no more so when he lost the ball in his box and then moments later Rodri conceded a penalty - one that he expertly saved to atone for his error.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
After looking a little suspect defensively, responded in style with a neat finish from a great cross. The Real Madrid man was solid if unspectacular.
Robin Le Normand (7/10):
Was beaten a couple of times at the back by quick Croatia feet but was part of a backline that looked composed and had the beating of the opposition's attack.
Nacho (7/10):
Wasn't really troubled at the back but did the stuff that generally goes unnoticed in a more than adequate performance.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
It was perhaps surprising he started at left-back after the season he has had for Chelsea but after being proficient enough, made a fantastic, last-ditch diving stop to deny Josip Stanisic from close range early in the second half.
Midfield
Pedri (7/10):
Looked lively and was neat and tidy in possession. Was the quietest of Spain's midfielders but was competent enough before being replaced.
Rodri (7/10):
For much of the contest he anchored Spain's midfield well, just as he does for Manchester City. But he undid his good work, somewhat, by giving away a penalty late on - one that was saved, mind.
Fabian Ruiz (9/10):
Played an inch-perfect pass to set Morata on his way for the first goal and then went on a superb, slaloming run before firing into the corner for an excellent individual goal. A player to watch this tournament.
Attack
Lamine Yamal (9/10):
The first 16-year-old to play in a Euros fired in an inch-perfect cross to the onrushing Carvajal to make it 3-0 before half time. His quality shone through throughout and was unlucky not to get a goal and another assist.
Alvaro Morata (8/10):
Looked like the ball was going to get stuck under his feet but recovered to slot home Spain's opener. A much-derided figure but one who does pop up with important goals for his country and led the line well.
Nico Williams (8/10):
Croatia struggled to get to grips with his pace and trickery. He and Yamal were the out-ball Spain used and they were very effective.
Subs & Manager
Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10):
Didn't do a great when brought on for the dangerous Williams.
Dani Olmo (7/10):
Had a couple of nice driving runs and shots on goal when introduced in the second half.
Mikel Merino (7/10):
Played some nice through balls to his team-mates to kickstart attacks.
Ferran Torres (7/10):
Looked to run at the defence whenever he got the ball.
Martin Zubimendi (N/A):
Had too little time to make an impact.
Luis de la Fuente (8/10):
Made some bold calls with Yamal and Cucurella but both, particularly the former, paid off in fine fashion. He got his tactics and Spain's formation spot on as they eased past a dangerous team.
