EURO 2024 Roundup, Matchday 11
Here is a recap of the games that occurred on Matchday 11 of EURO 2024, focusing on the results and notable individual displays.
Albania 0-1 Spain
Ferran Torres scored to help Spain achieve a perfect group record at a major tournament for the first time in 16 years by defeating Albania 1-0 in Düsseldorf. Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, made several changes to the lineup for this match since they had already advanced to the knockout phase as Group B winners. Only Aymeric Laporte remained in the starting XI from the previous win over Italy. Despite Albania’s strong start, Spain took the lead with Torres’ goal in the 13th minute, assisted by Dani Olmo. After the goal, Spain took control of the game, with David Raya being tested only once before halftime when he had to dive to his left to block Kristjan Asllani’s shot.
Shortly after halftime, Spain had a chance to make it 2-0 when Álex Grimaldo’s powerful cross was met by Joselu, but the ball narrowly missed the target. Just before the hour mark, Albania’s coach Sylvinho made his first substitution, bringing on Armando Broja for Rey Manaj. Broja almost scored soon after, but Raya managed to save his close-range shot. Despite the increased energy from the Albania fans, their team couldn’t capitalize on the momentum. Spain’s win against Albania extends their perfect H2H record to nine wins out of nine, while Albania, despite heading home, can be proud of their performances in a challenging group in only their second major tournament.
Croatia 1-1 Spain
Italy secured their place in the knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2024 in a remarkable manner, scoring a last-minute equalizer to earn a thrilling 1-1 draw against Croatia. This result ensured Italy’s fifth consecutive appearance in the Euro knockout rounds. Croatia needed a win to keep their slim chances of finishing in the top two alive and started aggressively in search of an early goal. Despite Croatia’s early pressure, Italy almost capitalized on defensive weaknesses, with Mateo Retegui narrowly missing a header from Riccardo Calafiori’s cross. Croatia earned a penalty early in the second half, but Luka Modrić’s spot-kick was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, preserving Italy’s draw.
Modric then scored a minute later, making him the oldest-ever goal scorer in the Euros. Italy made several substitutions to get the equalizer, and in the final moments, one of the substitutes, Mattia Zaccagni, scored a stunning last-minute equalizer to secure Italy’s spot in the knockout stage. Croatia now waits anxiously to see if their two points will be enough to advance as one of the best third-place finishers. Italy, on the other hand, already knows they will face Switzerland in the last 16, with the match scheduled for June 29th.
