Spain beat Albania 1-0 to take three wins from three video games in Group B to exit Euro 2024.
Luis de la Fuente, who had completed prime of the group, made 10 adjustments to the beginning line-up however the movement remained as Barcelona striker Ferran Torres shortly took the lead.
Spain, captained by 38-year-old Jesus Navas, had probabilities to increase their lead by means of the spectacular Dani Olmo and veteran striker Joselu, however the second objective by no means got here. They do not want it.
The upshot of this result’s that, with 4 factors from two video games, England are actually assured a spot within the knockout phases no matter Tuesday night time’s sport in opposition to Slovenia.
Albania did have their probabilities, with Arsenal’s David Raya making save from Kristjan Asllani and substitute Armando Broja. However Sylvinho’s aspect have been stretched to the restrict in making an attempt to deal with Spain’s superior high quality and their tight run was over.
The one earlier workforce to win each group stage sport on the European Championship with out conceding a objective was Italy three years in the past, who ultimately lifted the trophy. With such depth, a repeat of the feat can’t be dominated out.
Evaluation: Spain’s depth key?
Whereas Gareth Southgate appears to be like set to stay with an identical line-up for England’s third and last group sport at Euro 2024, he’s nonetheless in search of a optimistic efficiency to carry to the knockout phases. Some severe confidence, whereas his Spanish counterpart was in a position to rotate.
Having secured prime spot in Group B with two wins from two video games, his stars have been absent from the beginning in opposition to Albania. The sport was performed at such a quick tempo that it felt unlikely to disrupt their rhythm, however allowed others to shine.
Spain’s second-tier workforce, captained by Jesus Navas, appeared nothing prefer it.
Torres scored however there was a lot to love about Olmo’s efficiency, whereas full-backs Navas and Alex Grimaldo posed attacking threats. Mikel Merino confirmed his high quality in midfield. Raya made a number of large saves. All will acquire confidence.
All will doubtless be again on the bench when Spain return to motion within the final 16, however they’ll accomplish that after a style of what it is wish to be at this World Cup and able to affect the sport within the second half if wanted. It would make a distinction.
Man of the Match: Ferran Torres
Spain’s Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring the one objective in opposition to Albania
Torres is just about unknown to Premier League viewers as he left in simply his second season as a Manchester Metropolis participant, however his file in Spain has been outstanding. That is his twentieth objective in 44 video games for the nationwide workforce.
It was additionally a wonderful shot, after receiving a beautiful move from Olmo, he fired the ball into the far nook along with his left foot. Torres is a participant who runs from the outfield to the infield, which permits him to achieve success in entrance of objective.
Contemplating Lamine Yamal wowed everybody along with his performances in Germany, the competitors in these huge areas is clear. However Torres reminded folks of his reliability and is predicted to have extra time earlier than Spain’s Euro 2024 tour ends.
