An early goal from Ferran Torres proved enough for a much-changed Spain side to seal their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 with a 100 per cent record after a 1-0 win over Albania in Dusseldorf.
With their qualification from Group B already assured, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente made a staggering 10 changes, with Aymeric Laporte the only player to survive their previous win over Italy.
And despite having to withstand a stirring start from the Albanians, who realistically needed a win to advance from Group B, Torres’ neat 13th-minute strike capped a comfortable enough night for Spain.
Sylvinho’s underdogs had looked menacing for the first 10 minutes but their momentum soon ebbed and it was Albanian keeper Thomas Strakosha who had to make the first save of the game as he denied a clever Jesus Navas cross.
Joselu headed a Laporte cross over from close range before Torres grabbed the lead when he met a brilliant cross from Dani Olmo with a first-time effort that ricocheted in off Strakosha’s right-hand post.
De la Fuente’s new-look line-up soon entered cruise control while the Albanians, who required a win to stand any hope of advancing, showed only glimpses of promise through the likes of Nedim Bajrami and Kristjan Asllani.
The Albanians were almost gifted an equaliser after 37 minutes when Spain keeper David Raya, under no pressure, booted a clearance against the back of the unsuspecting Laporte only for the ball to bounce gratefully back into his arms.
The ineffective Mikel Merino missed the target from long range before Albania ended the first period with some promise and the dangerous Asllani tried an effort that Raya gathered.
Spain started the second half with plenty of intent and Joselu was inches wide from an Alex Grimaldo cross but from the hour mark Spain inexplicably dropped off.
The Albanians poured forward, Armando Broja’s snap-shot from close-range finding the arms of a grateful Raya, who was also equal to a deflected effort from the ever-dangerous Asllani.
De la Fuente reacted by sending on Alvaro Morata and 16-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal and Spanish fortunes immediately improved, with the impressive Olmo having a shot blocked in the box.
Albania responded through Asllani’s powerful drive that flashed just wide of Raya’s left-hand post, and Raya dived acrobatically to his right to deny Broja late on, sealing Albania’s fate and ensuring De la Fuente’s men would also advance without conceding a goal.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Group E despite all 4 teams finishing on 4 points Euro 2024 last 16 team Two red cards, disallowed goal, disallowed penalty... Panama 2-1 USA was CHAOS No Euros games for the first time in 13 days That’s a wrap on the Euro 2024 group stage Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s idol growing up was Cristiano Ronaldo. You? Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - but face competition from Premier League rivals Brighton.Chelsea eye Leicester's Dewsbury-HallFace competition from BrightonBlues also keen on Leeds Utd's GrayWHAT HAPPENED?The Telegraph reports Chelsea are eyeing a move for the Leicester talisman, who helped the Foxes secure an immediate return to the Premier...
Arsenal are reportedly ready to capitalise on Barcelona's financial troubles with an approach for defender Jules Kounde.Barca have severe financial issuesLa Liga outfit may have to sell playersArsenal eye move for KoundeWHAT HAPPENED?Sport reports that Arsenal have enquired about Barca star Kounde, and the Spanish outfit's struggle with hefty financial issues may force them into selling players, i...
Phil Foden is in contention to play in England's Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash against Slovakia in Germany on Sunday by returning to training on Friday, a source has told ESPN.Foden returned to England on Wednesday to attend the birth of his third child, having played in the 0-0 draw against Slovenia in Cologne that secured top spot in Group C for Gareth Southgate's team.The Manchester City forward ...
Kvaratskhelia has positive contract talks with NapoliNapoli have made the 'first steps' in getting winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to sign a new contract while the Georgian international is at Euros 2024.PSG ready to battle Arsenal, Barcelona & Bayern for OnanaParis Saint-Germain are reportedly set to compete with Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich for Everton star Amadou Onana.Lukaku open to A...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. England qualify for last 16 at Euro 2024 This England fan is all of us Top banter Real Madrid fans right now European Championships for Lukaku so far Thank You my hero ! lol Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, AZRorganization, FootballLaughss)...
WHAT HAPPENED?Neymar moved to Hilal last summer but has played just five games for the club, due to a cruciate ligament tear sustained in September on international duty. He has not kicked a ball in anger since, but Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva remains convinced of his quality, and says he wants to see him at the Gunners.THE BIGGER PICTURENeymar has a contract in Saudi Arabia until 2025 and has a...
Borussia Dortmund are on the verge of finalising a deal for VfB Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy, reports Fabrizio Romano.It is reported that Dortmund have won the race for the forward, after receiving the "green light" from Guirassy with the formal steps to follow. The tweet suggests that Dortmund will activate the modest release clause of €17.5 million, which has been a value that has att...
Ndoye has been one of Switzerland's brightest sparks at Euro 2024 and even notched a goal against Germany.Dan Ndoye is linked with a move to Man UtdAccording to Gianluca Dimarzio, the winger's performance against the hosts was so impressive that immediately United took action.It is claimed Old Trafford chiefs reached out to Bologna to discuss terms for a potential deal.And new United boss Sir Jim ...
Fiorentina in advanced talks to sign Juve forward KeanFiorentina are nearing the completion of a significant transfer as they engage in advanced talks with Juventus over the acquisition of forward Moise Kean. According to Nicolo Schira, the 24-year-old Italian international, who boasts 15 caps for his country, has agreed to personal terms with La Viola. The proposed contract will see Kean earning ...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Euro 2024 presenter stuns in tiny blue and white bikini on boat trip
- 3 Kylian Mbappe remains on bench as France and the Netherlands draw in Leipzig
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Scotland knocked out of Euro 2024 after last-gasp defeat to Hungary
- 6 Premier League manager’s model daughter relaxes on beach in Ibiza
- 7 Mask 'complicated' for Mbappe - coach
- 8 Marcel Sabitzer sinks Netherlands and takes Austria to the top of Group D
- 9 Patrik Schick breaks Czech Republic scoring record in Euros draw with Georgia
- 10 Belgian WAGs fume about their set 'cuddle time' by the boss at Euro 2024