GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — The rest of Europe needs to be careful. It seems that Spain is back.
The Spanish team advanced to the round of 16 of Euro 2024 by beating defending champion Italy 1-0 on Thursday.
An own goal in the 55th minute by Italian Riccardo Calafiori gave La Roja the victory in the first heavyweight matchup in the tournament.
But the victory with an error by the rival does not reflect the overwhelming performance shown by Spain, which holds three European titles and dominated the Group B match at will at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
“I said it when I arrived, that I was convinced that there was no better team and I still think so, as long as we continue behaving and working as we are doing, with the desire to grow, with enough humility to continue working and never give up.” said coach Luis de la Fuente, who did not save his praise for his team.
16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting young stars with a strong performance.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma avoided a heavy score, with a series of good saves until he accidentally sent the ball into the legs of Calafiori, who could not prevent the rebound into his own goal.
“They deserved to win,” acknowledged Italian strategist Luciano Spalletti. “We were never in the game.”
With the victory, Spain put forward a clear argument against another giant of international football. Between both teams they have won 10 prestigious titles.
The Spaniards brought to mind the performances that their team produced when it dominated world football, with two consecutive Euro titles and the coronation in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
After finding themselves unable to dominate possession of the ball for the first time in 136 official matches – which did not prevent them from beating Croatia – Spain recovered their traditional style. He stripped the Azzurri of the ball and dictated the pace of play in a one-sided game.
The opportunities multiplied in quick succession during the second half. Donnarumma blocked a series of shots to keep his goal invulnerable.
“I still think the same thing I thought yesterday, that I am delighted, proud, not only for the result or for beating a great team, the last European champion, but for the way we won the game, for everything that has been achieved. offered,” added De la Fuente.
But it was an own goal that ended up making the difference in the complement.
Donnarumma pushed the ball, headed by Álvaro Morata, towards the legs of Calafiori, who watched helplessly as the rebound went into the net.
Nico Williams, named player of the match, came within millimeters of widening the lead with a curling shot that shook the crossbar.
Source: AP
2024-06-21 02:26:18
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