Spain complete a flawless group stage

Spain maintained its 100% form at Euro 2024, beating and eliminating Albania. This result meant England, France, and the Netherlands all booked last-16 spots.

Spain’s Dominance and Torres’ Early Strike

Spain continued their flawless run at Euro 2024 with a decisive victory over Albania, securing a 100% record in the group stage.

Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, now playing for Barcelona, opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Torres finished low from Dani Olmo’s pass, the ball bouncing in off the post.

Albania’s Struggle for an Equaliser

Albania’s Kristjan Asllani tested Spain’s goalkeeper David Raya with a powerful 25-yard strike, but Raya, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal from Brentford, made a fine save.

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Raya also thwarted Fulham striker Armando Broja’s shot on the turn, preventing Albania from finding an equaliser. As a result, Albania finished bottom of

Group B and were eliminated from the tournament.

Spain’s Squad Rotation and Tactical Flexibility

With Spain having already secured top spot in the group thanks to previous victories over Croatia and Italy, coach Luis de la Fuente took the opportunity to make 10 changes to his starting lineup.

This strategy ensured that every outfield player in Spain’s 26-man squad featured during their opening three matches. Spain dominated the match from the outset, creating numerous chances early on.

Key Players and Missed Opportunities

Veteran Jesus Navas, now 38 and playing as an attacking right-back, delivered a fine cross that Mikel Merino, formerly of Newcastle, had parried.

Joselu, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid who also had spells with Stoke City and Newcastle, went close before Torres’ goal. Despite several opportunities to extend their lead, Spain saw efforts from Olmo, Torres, Merino, and Joselu go astray.

Implications for Other Teams

Spain’s victory and Albania’s subsequent elimination had broader implications for the tournament. Italy’s 1-1 draw against Croatia meant that Albania finished bottom of the group.

Consequently, England from Group C, France, and the Netherlands from Group D secured their places in the last-16, with all three teams having already accumulated four points from their two matches. These teams will at worst feature among the four best third-placed finishers in the group stage, guaranteeing their progression.

Spain’s Next Challenge

Out of the 24 nations at Euro 2024, only Spain and Portugal have won all their matches so far. Portugal is set to play their third group match against Georgia on Wednesday.

Spain will face a third-placed finisher from one of Group A, D, E, or F in their last-16 tie on Sunday in Cologne at 20:00 BST.

Spain’s consistent performance and strategic squad rotation position them as formidable contenders as they advance in Euro 2024.