
Three-time champions Spain have kick-started their Euro 2024 campaign with a thumping win over Croatia as they made a statement in Berlin on Saturday (June 15).
Winning 3-0 courtesy of first half strikes from skipper Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal, the La Roja will be targeting their record-breaking fourth title in Germany.
The win sees Spain top of Group B and will look to seal a place in the next round when they next take the field.
The three-time European champions have often been accused of being toothless in attack during recent major tournaments, but produced an eye-catching display at the Olympiastadion to cut apart a disappointing Croatia.
Morata broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with his seventh Euros goal, moving joint-third on the all-time list alongside Alan Shearer and Antoine Griezmann.
Fabian Ruiz added a second shortly afterwards with a wonderful individual strike.
Yamal made his mark with the assist for Dani Carvajal to effectively kill the game as a contest on the stroke of half-time, while Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic missed a late penalty.
"Very happy with the win, for my (Euros) debut," Yamal told La 1.
"We've got confidence, we're a very efficient team and we're showing it. We're happy because all the work from the last few months has borne fruit."
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This repeat of last year's Nations League final, won by Spain on penalties after a 0-0 draw, suggests La Roja are capable of contending for a record-breaking fourth European Championship title.
World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, though, have it all to do if they are to reach the knockout phase for a fifth consecutive major tournament, with games against Albania and holders Italy to come in a difficult Group B.