Spain has reignited its dominance in European football, securing a place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages after a commanding 1-0 victory over Italy on Thursday.
The match, held at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, saw Spain outplay the defending champions in a performance reminiscent of their golden era from 2008 to 2012. A critical own goal by Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori in the 55th minute sealed the win for the Spaniards, who are now poised as strong contenders for their fourth European Championship title.
“I think it was the best performance since I took charge,” Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente remarked. “This team has no limits—the sky is the ceiling.”
Spain’s dominance was evident throughout the game, with 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal showcasing his immense talent on the wing. Fellow forward Nico Williams earned the Man of the Match title, consistently challenging Italy’s defense and nearly doubling the lead with a shot that struck the crossbar in the second half.
Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was kept busy, making several crucial saves to prevent a larger deficit. However, his attempt to deflect Álvaro Morata’s header inadvertently led to the own goal, as the ball rebounded off Calafiori and into the net.
Italy’s coach Luciano Spalletti conceded the defeat, stating, “They deserved to win, and we were never truly in the game.”
Spain’s victory signals a potential return to the form that saw them dominate international football over a decade ago. Their ability to control possession and dictate the pace revived memories of their previous successes and sent a clear message to the remaining teams in the tournament.
As Euro 2024 progresses, Spain’s resurgence adds an exciting dynamic to the competition, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide, including fans across Asia who follow European football with avid interest.
