Euro 2024 Day 11

Spain Rotate and Croatia Let It Slip Away

Albania 0-1 Spain

Euro 2024/Group B/Round 3

MOTM: Dani Olmo

Other standout performances include: Ferran Torres, Grimaldo

Notable Stats:

  • Spain have won their opening three matches of a European Championship tournament for the second time after 2008 when they won the whole tournament. Zero goals conceded.

  • Only Cesc Fabregas (5) has provided more assists for Spain at the European Championships than Dani Olmo (4) since records began in 1968.

  • Ferran Torres has now scored the same amount of European Championship goals as David Silva and Cesc Fabregas (3).

Match Stats:

  • xG: 0.48 - 0.87

  • xThreat: 0.86 - 1.91

  • Possession: 41.4% - 58.6%

  • Field Tilt: 34.4% - 65.6%

  • Penalty Box Shots: 4 - 12

  • Deep Completions: 7 - 15

  • PPDA: 17.3 - 7.9

  • High Turnovers: 2 - 3

  • 10+ Pass Sequences: 13 - 25

Spain Rotate

Only Laporte remained for Spain against Albania as they rotated the team and despite those changes look how similar their passing map is for the two teams. Differences in quality but all the backup players are aware of how the team need to play on the pitch.

The first goal came from two brilliant passes and a tidy far post finish from Ferran Torres.

Here is the pass from Laporte that takes out five Albanian players.

Through ball by Dani Olmo perfectly weighted for the run of Ferran Torres.

Finding the space on the far post.

Returning back to the passing maps, Grimaldo in particular was the threat Spain worked it to, down to on the left side. Providing a number of dangerous crosses into the box. Cucurella has been brilliant for them at LB in the first two games but should they need a different option late into a game or want to use his crossing ability to expose a specific opponent. He’s one to watch.

Albania were up against it in the tournament, given the group they drew. In another group they perhaps get the win that brings them a 3rd place qualification. Impressive out of possession, well organized and an experience that will serve them in the next international tournament.

For Spain they become the first team this year to win all three group matches, put minutes in the legs of their back ups and rest the starters. Perfect night.

Croatia 1-1 Italy

Euro 2024/Group B/Round 3

MOTM: Luka Modric

Other standout performances include: Di Lorenzo & Calafiori

Notable Stats:

  • Luka Modric is the oldest player to ever score at the UEFA European Championship Finals. Joint top scorer for Croatia (4) in the history of the competition.

  • Alessandro Bastoni is the only defender to win possession 20+ times at Euro 2024.

Match Stats:

  • xG: 1.58 - 1.97

  • xThreat: 0.66 - 2.03

  • Possession: 46.6% - 53.4%

  • Field Tilt: 45.8% - 54.2%

  • Penalty Box Shots: 4 - 11

  • Deep Completions: 9 - 18

  • PPDA: 10.8 - 12.0

  • High Turnovers: 11 - 5

  • 10+ Pass Sequences: 21 - 21

Croatia Let It Slip Away

Croatia set up with a 4-3-3 and Italy made a shift in the back line to a back five. A change that gave Croatia space on the flank whilst Italy could use the ball side wing back, central defender and midfielder to come out and press. It gave Croatia possession and the opportunities to buildup but ran them into dead ends down the channels.

The two strikers up front were able to put pressure on the single pivot of Croatia. Forcing Brozovic to shift across the back line trying to find space. Pushing them back into their half.

Leaving Croatia frustrated and forcing shots from distance.

Italy were no better either when it came to progressing the ball well. They stifled Croatia but could only attack with their wing backs in-behind the full backs of Croatia. Using one of their strikers to drop deep whilst the other runs behind.

Here is a great chance Bastoni had and missed his header.

Modric had a penalty that he missed and not long after was able to pounce on this mistake. Giving Croatia the lead.

Here is the passing maps from each side in the first half.

Croatia switched to a back five to try see out the result and it was a change that cost them. They didn’t look comfortable with it at all. It gave Italy and their defenders the opportunity to drive forward into midfield. Calafiori took that opportunity.

Driving forward towards the box and laying it off for Zaccagni to finish.

Italy secured themselves a round of 16 tie against Switzerland on the 29th June whilst Croatia have the smallest chance of making it through to the next round as a 3rd place team.

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