Spain lay down early marker at Euro 2024 with impressive win over Croatia

Spain got their Euro 2024 campaign off to an impressive start with a 3-0 win over Croatia in Berlin.

Captain Alvaro Morata set La Roja on their way in Group B with a low finish after 29 minutes before Fabian Ruiz soon doubled the lead after some quick footwork inside the Croatia penalty area.

Dani Carvajal volleyed home a third from close range in first-half stoppage time, with Croatia seeing a late goal from substitute Bruno Petkovic ruled out for encroachment when he slotted in a cross after his initial penalty had been saved.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal – whose start saw him become the youngest player to feature at a European Championship aged 16 and 338 days – created an early opening for Morata, whose scuffed 20-yard effort lacked power.

Croatia – beaten on penalties by Spain in last year’s Nations League final – slowly started to build a spell of possession, with Ante Budimir heading wide after the ball was swung in from the right.

Spain broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Ruiz played a central ball up to Atletico Madrid striker Morata, who held off his marker and slotted past Dominik Livakovic.

Croatia soon fell further behind as Ruiz doubled Spain’s lead in the 32nd minute.

The Paris St Germain midfielder collected the ball 20 yards out before showing quick feet to dart into the penalty area and drill into the bottom corner.

Croatia almost hit back straight away as Marcelo Brozovic’s 18-yard strike was saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon and Lovro Majer fired into the side netting.

Spain scored again late in the half when Real Madrid defender Carvajal darted through a crowded six-yard box to volley in Yamal’s curling cross.

Croatia – whose fans had packed out the Olympiastadion – were close to