The three-time European champions have often been criticized for their lackluster attack in recent major tournaments, but they delivered a stunning performance at the Olympiastadion, dismantling a lackluster Croatia.
Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal star for Spain
Morata broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with his seventh goal in the Euros, tying for third place on the all-time list alongside Alan Shearer and Antoine Griezmann. Fabian Ruiz doubled Spain's lead shortly after with a brilliant solo goal. Lamine Yamal then made his mark with an assist for Dani Carvajal, who effectively sealed the game just before halftime. Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic missed a late penalty.
This match, a repeat of last year's Nations League final won by Spain on penalties after a goalless draw, indicates that La Roja could be strong contenders for a record-breaking fourth European Championship title.
Meanwhile, World Cup semi-finalists Croatia face a tough challenge to reach the knockout stage for a fifth consecutive major tournament, with upcoming games against Albania and defending champions Italy in the challenging Group B.
ALSO READ: Germany start Euro 2024 with 5-1 win over 10-man Scotland
Luka Modric, often the key player for his team, was substituted in the second half by coach Zlatko Dalic.
Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, fielded an exciting lineup, including wingers Nico Williams and Yamal. At 16 years and 338 days old, the Barcelona prodigy Yamal set a new record as the youngest player at a Euros, surpassing Polish international Kacper Kozlowski's previous record set at Euro 2020 at 17 years and 246 days old.
Croatia's Slow Start
Despite receiving overwhelming support from the stands, with fans displaying a massive banner during their national anthem proclaiming "When we get going, heaven and earth will burn," Croatia began the game slowly, allowing Spain to control the game in their characteristic style.
Spain displayed their tactical flexibility under De la Fuente with their opening goal. An outstanding long pass from Fabian Ruiz from his own half found Morata, who calmly slotted it past the oncoming Dominik Livakovic.
Just three minutes later, Ruiz took complete control, weaving past two Croatian defenders inside the penalty area and firing through Josip Sutalo's legs into the bottom corner.
Croatia nearly scored right away as the match began to reflect the dynamic back-and-forth nature of their exciting last-16 match at Euro 2020, which Spain won 5-3 after extra time.
Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon reacted quickly to block Marcelo Brozovic's strike, and Lovro Majer missed the target, hitting the side-netting on the rebound.
Croatia kept up the pressure, with Josko Gvardiol's cross-cum-shot just missing Ante Budimir in the middle and the far post.
However, full-back Dani Carvajal, who scored the first goal in Real Madrid's recent Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund, sealed the match just before the halftime whistle.
Following a cleared corner, Yamal whipped a perfect cross into the box, which Carvajal met with a volley, stretching to poke it into the net.
In the second half, Croatia's push forward left openings for Spain, and Yamal nearly set a record as the youngest scorer in Euros history, but his shot was expertly saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Marc Cucurella, a contentious pick by De la Fuente at left-back, made a crucial block to deny Josip Stanisic and keep Croatia's hopes at bay.
Substitute Bruno Petkovic thought he had scored late in the game after following up on his own saved penalty, but the goal was disallowed for encroachment by Ivan Perisic, ensuring Spain maintained a clean sheet in an almost flawless performance.
WITH AFP INPUTS
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
