By Gerald Lutchman
Spain (3) demolish Croatia (0)
IN the first class of the heavyweights, Spain made light work of a disappointing Croatia. Alvaro Morata (29), Fabian Ruiz (32) and Dani Carvajal (45+2) made merry at Olympiastadion in Berlin with the second game of the day.
In a game where Croatia actually dominated possession (54%) but with few opportunities created, they paid the ultimate price. Spain were much better when it counted in the final third and delivered a wonderful display of finishing. Both teams had five shots at goal but Spain had the accuracy needed to score.
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in the history of Euro at 16 years and 338 days. Spain’s lead was doubled in just three minutes from Ruiz.
Croatia’s disappointment only got worse when Bruno Petkovic missed a penalty and disallowed the follow up shot for encroachment into the area. This was a major blow for the large contingent of over 10,000 Croatian fans in the stadium.
Spain have shown all the necessary ingredients to be champions. They are quick, score goals and shut out the opposition. They are no longer interested in having dominant possession but in making use of the possession.
Switzerland (3) deserving win over a spirited Hungary (1)
Switzerland held off the Hungarian fight back and secured a comfortable win. Goals from the two surprising picks for Switzerland in Kwadwo Duah (12th) and Michel Aebischer (45th) left the Swiss in the lead at the half. Barnabas Vargas’ (66th ) goal gave the Hungarians some impetus and it created a great half of football. This allowed Breel Ebolo an opportunity to score as Hungary searched for a goal. Switzerland has seven shots on target compared to Hungary’s two along with a 51% possession in a fairly even game.
Switzerland are now second in group A after Germany and it seems that they have what it takes to come out of this group.
Italy (2) recovers to hold off Albania (1) Signal Iduna Park
This represented the best first fifteen minutes of football that you can see. There were three goals and the lead changed twice and it remained that way for the rest of the game. Nedim Bajrami scored in 23 seconds to create an electrifying start to the tournament. Italy were shocked but composed themselves and did not panic. They then took control of the game within five minutes Allessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella were able to turn the game around. It was a wonderful effort and showed why Italy are champions of Europe.
Italy had 69% of the possession with five shots on target compared to Albania’s one. Italy also had 812 completed passes with a 92% accuracy. It shows the level of complete football that they were playing.
Tomorrow’s games. Sunday June 16, 2024:
- Poland vs Netherlands 9am (Volkparkstadiuim)
- Slovenia vs Denmark 12 noon ( MHP Arena)
- Serbia vs England 3 pm ( Veltins – Arena)
Results
June 15, 2024:
Switzerland 3 vs 1 Hungary
- Kwadwo Duah 12 Barnabas Vargas 66
- Michel Aebisher 45
- Breel Embolo 90 +2
Spain 3 vs 0 Croatia
Alvaro Morata 29
Fabian Ruiz 32
Dani Carvajal 45+2
Italy 2 vs Albania 1
Alessandro Bastoni Nedim Bajrami 1
Nicolo Barella 16
June 14, 2024
Germany 5 vs 1 Scotland
Florian Wirtz 10 Antonio Rudiger 87 (OG)
Jamal Musiala 19
Kai Havertz 45+1(P)
Niclas Fullkrug 68
Emre Can 90 + 3
See more on Euro 2024 below:
