EURO 2024 Talking Points: Spain Remain Perfect as Zaccagni Saves Italy.
As Group B came to a dramatic close on Monday night, we bring you the biggest talking points after Spain finished with a 100% record and Italy left it late to qualify for the last 16. Questions remain over the defending champions.
NO MISTAKES FROM SPAIN
A perfect record in any major tournament during the group stage is not to be sniffed at, and Spain can have very few complaints after their 1-0 win over Albania. Luis de la Fuente made ten changes to his side that beat Italy 1-0 last week, and one of those players, Ferran Torres, showed his quality with a clinical finish to settle the contest.
A larger scoreline would have been more comforting for their coach, but they are yet to concede in the competition and are displaying the characteristics of champions. In the build-up to the game, De La Fuente pleaded with the Spanish media not to compare his side to the successful 2008 team that triumphed in Switzerland and Austria. However, that plea is likely to fall on deaf ears now as expectations soar.
HELPLESS ALBANIA
Albania entered the game against Spain knowing a win was their only chance to qualify for the last 16. In a group with such heavyweights, it was always going to be a tough task, and they showed heart throughout the campaign. However, that was of little comfort after the 1-0 loss that sent them packing.
They rarely challenged David Raya in the Spain goal, with only Kristjan Asllani looking dangerous, and even then, it was from distance. A focal point up front was the missing link for them on Monday night, but there is a base to build on going forward.
ZACCAGNI SAVES ITALIAN BLUSHES
Italy were seconds away from a humbling exit at EURO 2024 after a truly forgettable tournament. They were hoping for a miracle to save them after yet another under-par performance against Croatia last night.
In the final minute of stoppage time, they were 1-0 down and on the brink of exit. Then, out of nowhere, when all hope seemed lost, Mattia Zaccagni stepped up. It was a stunning equaliser, curling into the top corner to the agony of Luka Modric and Croatia.
Italy might not deserve it, and it is hard to see them going far at EURO 2024, but their blushes have been saved for now.
HEARTBREAK FOR MODRIC
As for Croatia, they did everything right this evening and could do little to stop a moment of individual magic. This will most likely be Modric’s final game at a major tournament. What a cruel and sad way to go out for one of football’s true legends.
It might not be the end for Croatia at EURO 2024, but it would require Czech Republic and Georgia to both lose, and England to hit three past Slovenia while Denmark get the better of Serbia. The England result feels the least likely, as they haven’t looked like a team about to beat Slovenia 3-0.
