Spain edge defending champions Italy to reach Round of 16 at Euro 2024

La Roja becomes second team after Germany to secure knockout round spot.

Spain proved they are legitimate candidates to win the entire tournament by winning Group B with one game remaining. In a commanding performance, Spain defeated defending champions Italy 1-0 in a marquee clash with their finest performance of the tournament so far.

Three-time champions Spain dominated the match, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal delivering an incredible display, further cementing his reputation as one of football’s most exciting rising talents. Despite a series of excellent saves by Italy’s custodian Gianluigi Donnarumma, who kept the score low, an unfortunate rebound off Riccardo Calafiori led to an own goal that sealed Italy’s fate.

Having already defeated Croatia in a thrilling opening match of their Euro 2024 campaign, Spain continues to build on their momentum. Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal all scored in Spain’s first Group B match, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest participant in the men’s Euros with his starting debut.

Also read: UEFA Euro 2024: Full fixtures, schedule, timing, telecast & live streaming details

Italy, meanwhile, managed a 2-1 victory over Albania in their opening match, although their performance was not as impressive. This match against Spain marked the sixth Euro clash between these two teams, both favorites to win their respective “group of death” groups. The outcome of this encounter could very well determine the group winner.

In Group C, England and Denmark played to a 1-1 draw. Harry Kane opened the scoring with a record-breaking 64th goal for England, only for Morten Hjulmand to equalize after capitalizing on a careless pass from Kane.

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