Spain vs. Croatia final score, result, stats from Euro 2024 Group B as Fabian Ruiz and record-breaker Lamine Yamal dazzle in Berlin

Following Germany’s five-star display on the opening night of Euro 2024, three-time champions Spain made a statement of their own with a commanding 3-0 victory over Croatia in Berlin.

Croatia, led by veteran playmaker Luka Modric, matched their opponents for much of the opening half-hour in a high-quality contest at the Olympiastadion.

But they fell behind when Rodri broke up play in midfield and Fabian Ruiz had space to thread a through ball to Alvaro Morata. Spain’s captain has been a much-maligned presence at previous tournaments but he finished with the cool confidence underpinned by a fine season at Atletico Madrid to score his seventh goal at the finals.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz then took centre stage as he danced past Modric and Marcelo Brozovic to lash into the bottom corner.

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Croatia almost responded to each Spain goal, Mateo Kovacic and Brozovic each going close. The third in first-half stoppage time was the killer as Lamine Yamal celebrated becoming the youngest player in European Championship history for Dani Carvajal to slide home, two weeks on from his breakthrough goal in the Champions League final for Real Madrid.

Barcelona 16-year-old Lamine Yamal continued to catch the eye with his slaloming dribbles after the break as Croatia stuck manfully to their task — they ended the game with more possession and a higher xG figure than their opponents. Morata and Rodri leaving the action with apparent injuries were blots on a satisfactory day for Luis de la Fuente as his Group B pacesetters put down an imposing marker.

Some haphazard work from goalkeeper Unai Simon sounded a note of caution amid the enthusiasm. Spain’s No. 1 coughed up possession inside his own box, leading to Rodri bringing down Bruno Petkovic. The Croatia substitute had his spot-kick saved, scored from the ensuing scramble but had his effort ruled out for encroachment.

Italy face outsiders Albania in Saturday’s late kickoff in Group B.

The Sporting News is following the Spain vs. Croatia match live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.

Spain vs. Croatia final score

Lineups:

Spain: (4-3-3, right to left):  23. Unai Simon (GK) — 2. Dani Carvajal, 3. Robin Le Normand, 4. Nacho, 24. Marc Cucurella — 8. Fabian Ruiz, 16. Rodri (18. Martin Zubimendi), 20. Pedri (10. Dani Olmo) — 19. Lamine Yamal (11. Ferran Torres), 7. Alvaro Morata  (21. Mikel Oyarzabal), 17. Nico Williams (6. Mikel Merino).

Croatia: (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Dominik Livakovic (GK) — 2. Josip Stanisic, 6. Josip Sutalo, 3. Marin Pongracic, 4. Josko Gvardiol — 10. Luka Modric (15. Mario Pasalic), 11. Marcelo Brozovic, 8. Mateo Kovacic (25. Luka Sucic) — 7. Lovro Majer, 16. Ante Budimir (14. Ivan Perisic), 9. Andrej Kramaric (17. Bruno Petkovic).

MORE: Euro 2024 schedule and results, updated LIVE | Who will win Euro 2024? Latest odds and predictions | How to watch all the Euro 2024 action

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Spain vs Croatia stats

Spain vs. Croatia live updates, highlights from Euro 2024

Fulltime

Luis de la Fuente probably couldn't have wished for a better start against very capable opponents. Croatia end the game having had more possession and they held their own for long periods. However, Spain showed a cutting edge that has betrayed them since the national team's imperial period a decade ago. It came in the form of relentless young wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams either side of revitalised captain Alvaro Morata. All the technical brilliance you'd expect is present and correct behind that trio, making this Spain side a formidable proposition. Their semifinal conquerers from Euro 2020, reigning champions Italy, are up next. Thanks for joining us.

90 mins: There'll be five minutes added on, a good chunk of which is probably accounted for by the Croatia penalty incident.

86 mins: A couple more changes for Spain. Lamine Yamal has done everything but score and he gets another standing ovation. Ferran Torres is on for him, while Zubimendi replaces Rodri. By the way, there was not red card given to Rodri for the foul on the penalty as it was deemed a genuine attempt to play the ball from the Manchester City man.

80 mins: Goal for Croatia but it's disallowed!!!! Simon plunges to his right to save Petkovic's spot kick. The substitute manages to pick up the pieces and convert but his effort is chalked off for encroachment.

78 mins: Penalty to Croatia! Well, Simon can't want a clean sheet that much if he's pulling a stroke like that! Spain's goalkeeper coughs up possession in his own box, Rodri brings down Petkovic and Michael Oliver points to the spot.

75 mins: Perisic tries to get something going for Croatia but Simon hangs on. There's a man who wants his clean sheet.

66 mins: The problem is serious enough for Morata to decide he's coming off. Luis de la Fuente will hope that isn't too serious, Oyarzabal is getting ready to come on alongside Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino. Modric and Kovacic make way for Croatia, probably with an eye on their next game against Albania.

64 mins: Morata is down but Lamine Yamal doesn't doesn't care. He's having far too much fun on another slaloming dribble, leaving Gvardiol prone on the turf. Croatia eventually scramble back effectively.

63 mins: Croatia still making a commendable fist of this and Cucurella is forced into more evasive action to thwart Majer.

60 mins: Pedri makes way for Dani Olmo. Spain's depth isn't bad, you know.

58 mins: It's into the wall from Lamine Yamal. Steady on, young man.

57 mins: Lamine Yamal tears down the Croatia left once more. Here come the cavalry and Modric pulls back Fabian Ruiz. Free-kick in a dangerous position. They look to take it quickly but the referee calls them back.

55 mins: How have Croatia not scored?! Kovacic drives forward, cuts back to Budimir. He works the ball on to Stanisic, whose shot his blocked by a flying Cucurella and Simon just about does enough in the ensuing scramble.

54 mins: Lamine Yamal on his merry way again, leaving Kovacic and Brozovic in his wake. He drills a cross that Morata can't turn home with his thigh.

52 mins: Almost 4-0! Livakovic makes an excellent stop low down to his right to deny Lamine Yamal after industrious work from Pedri - the one-time boy wonder who must feel like a veteran next to his livewire Barcelona colleague.

50 mins: Lovely pass from Modric with the outside of his boot. Kramaric and then Gvardiol can't make anything of it, though.

Kickoff: 2nd Half

We're back underway. No changes for either side at this juncture but it looks like Ivan Perisic might be getting ready to come on for Croatia.

Halftime

Croatia head for the locker rooms with their heads scrambled. For chunks of that half they matched Spain in a high-quality contest. But La Roja found the cutting edge when it mattered. Captain Morata got them off and running, Fabian Ruiz produced a little moment of magic and Lamine Yamal celebrated becoming the youngest player in Euros history by supplying a sumptuous assist for Carvajal. I know we said this in the last 16 at Euro 2020, but this is surely over?

45+3 mins: GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!! Dani Carvajal!!!!

Williams's electric pace forces a corner and Spain are probably now out of sight. Lamine Yamal comes shot to change the angle and swings in a delicious cross. Carvajal scored in the Champions League final a couple of weeks ago and he could not miss here.

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45+1 mins: Kovacic with an more ambitious and, crucially, far worse attempt than Kramaric from range. Croatia playing with clear frustration and not without some justification.

45 mins: Kramaric thunders one wide from way downtown town. There will be two added minutes to a half that has been a delightful watch.

41 mins: Ohhhh, Croatia should be back in this. Kramaric and Kovacic get them going, with the latter fouled by Rodri. Advantage is played and Majer's cross scoots through to Gvardiol at the back post. He steers a bouncing ball back across goal, it goes through Simon's hands but no one is there to provide the decisive touch.

37 mins: Cucurella spams a cross out for a goal kick and goes down wanting a penalty after a coming together with Majer. That's not happening.

36 mins: Le Normand gets up to meet a left-wing corner and heads over. He wants another corner. I'm not entirely sure why.

33 mins: Again Croatia go close to an instant response as Simon beats away Brozovic's drive and Majer puts the rebound into the side netting from a tight angle.

32 mins: GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!! Fabian Ruiz!!!!

Fabian Ruiz is lighting this game up! Hot on the heels of his sumptuous assist he gets the ball just inside the Croatia box after Lamine Yamal causes further consternation. The midfielder produces dazzling footwork to dodge a pair of challenges and drives home via a slight deflection.

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31 mins: Kovacic looks for an instant response, jinking into space but he can't get much purchase on his shot.

29 mins: GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!! Alvaro Morata!!!

Morata does it again against Croatia at the Euros. Rodri wins the ball in midfield, Fabian Ruiz has room to thread a wonderfully measured pass through to the captain. The 2016 and 2021 versions of Morata might have panicked but he finished that in the coolest fashion.

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22 mins: Kovacic is getting on the ball with increasing frequency and turning the game Croatia's way. Simon darts out to claim his latest through ball ahead of Budimir. Now there's half a headed chance for the centre-forward.

18 mins: Majer takes it left-footed instead and Morata heads away. He probably won't get the next one.

17 mins: Pleasing spell of possession from Croatia here as their midfield technicians get to work. It culminates in a clumsy Cucurella foul on Majer. Modric will relish swinging this in from the right.

15 mins: Cucurella breaks up play and finds Lamine Yamal, who has room to manoeuvre. He can't get a clean shot away under close attention from the Croatia defence.

10 mins: Williams dinks a teasing free-kick into the box but none of his team-mates are on his wavelength and it goes behind. Spain have played smartly so far but clear chances are yet to follow. If Luis de la Fuente's team have one obvious flaw it can sometimes be a lack of cutting edge.

7 mins: From the goal kick, Croatia give it away and Lamine Yamal sets up Morata for a shooting opportunity outside the box. Livakovic gathers but his team badly need to get their foot on the ball sometime soon.

6 mins: Sutalo gets back to challenge Williams inside the area. It's a little untidy but fair enough in the eyes of the referee and it's a goal kick.

4 mins: Lamine Yamal gets his twinkle toes going. Fabian Ruiz is unable to thread the needle.

2 mins: Williams looks to play through Pedri but the pass is snuffed out. Now an enquiring ball over the top for Morata as Spain start on the front foot.

Kickoff: 1st Half

There's the cheesy UEFA countdown, Michael Oliver's whistle and we're underway.

5 mins before kickoff: Here come the teams and it's time for the anthems. A rousing, throaty reception from the Croatian contingent, who certainly out-number their Spanish counterparts in this grand old stadium.

30 mins before kickoff: There is understandably lots of excitement around Lamine Yamal, who will make history by starting for Spain today. The Barcelona sensation becomes the youngest player ever in European Championship finals. His battle with Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol at left-back for Croatia today could go a long way to dictating the outcome.

MORE: Oldest and youngest players at the Euros

58 mins before kickoff: Luka Modric will lead Croatia as captain and it's as you'd expect from Zlatko Dalic. This really is a game packed with supreme technical quality.

1 hour before kickoff: Here are the teams. Real Madrid captain Nacho starts at centre-back for Spain, with Aymeric Laporte only fit enough for a place on the bench.Marc Cucurella is preferred to Alex Grimaldo at left-back.

1 hr 20 mins before kickoff: Alvaro Morata scored in each of Spain's previous two Euros meetings with Croatia but often cut a forlorn figure in each of those tournaments. A hugely gifted striker who has grappled with confidence problems throughout his career, the 31-year-old has enjoyed arguably his most impressive season at Atletico Madrid this season. Buoyed by 21 goals in all competitions for his club, Morata will captain Luis de la Fuente's team in Germany.

Álvaro Morata

(Getty Images)

1 hr 40 mins before kickoff: Over the past few years (aka, about half of Lamine Yamal's life) this has quietly become one of European football's most intriguing international rivalries. Things really came to a head at Euro 2020, when a dramatic Croatia comeback forced Luis Enrique's Spain into extra time, where goals from Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal snatched a 5-3 triumph. La Roja were then taken the distance before beating Croatia on penalties to win the UEFA Nations League Finals last year.

This will be their fourth meeting in European Championship finals over all. Croatia claimed a late 2-1 group-stage win at Euro 2016, while Spain won 1-0 at the same stage as they plotted a path to glory at Euro 2012.

Spain Croatia Joselu Modric 061623

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2 hours before kickoff: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of this mouthwatering Group B opener at Euro 2024. When Luka Modric made his international debut for Croatia in 2006, Spain youngster Lamine Yamal hadn't even been born. When told this at a pre-match press conference, Modric responded: "That does make me feel old." You're not the only one, Luka.

Spain vs. Croatia kickoff time

This Euro 2024 match kicks off from the Olympiastadion on June 15 at 6:00 p.m. local time in Berlin. Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories around the globe:

Euro 2024 Group B standings

Spain vs. Croatia lineups, team news, starting 11

Spain is missing midfield star Gavi due to a torn ACL. The only other injury for Spain to work around this tournament is that to Barcelona full-back Alex Balde.

Real Madrid captain Nacho joins Robin Le Normand at centre-back,with Aymeric Laporte only fit enough for a place on the bench.

Fabian Ruiz got the nod to join Rodri and Pedri in a midfield trio that looks mouthwatering on paper.

Spain starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left):  Simon (GK) — Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella — Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams.

Spain subs (9): Raya (GK), Remiro (GK), Vivian, Merino, Joselu, Olmo, Torres, Grimaldo, Laporte, Alex Baena, Zubimendi, Oyarzabal, Navas, Fermin Lopez, Perez.

Croatia have their full complement of established regulars, led by Real Madrid legend Luka Modric, who will need significant support as he is no longer a consistent 90-minute player at 38 years old.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was one of the top performers at the World Cup in Qatar two years ago and will look to put in another big performance, while Josko Gvardiol has developed into a strong, versatile defender at Man City. Domagoj Vida has mostly been relegated to a leadership role at 35 years old, no longer considered a viable regular in the XI.

Croatia starting lineup (4-3-3): Livakovic (GK) — Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol — Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic — Majer, Budimir, Kramaric.

Croatia subs (9): Labrovic (GK), Ivusic (GK), Erlic, Vlasic, Perisic, Mario Pasalic, Petkovic, Ivanusec, Sosa, Pjaca, Vida, Juranovic, Marco Pasalic, Sucic, Baturina.

Spain vs. Croatia live stream, TV channel

USA: Spain vs. Croatia from the Olympiastadion will be televised in the United States on the Fox Sports Network, with Spanish-language streaming via ViX. The game is also available to stream on Fubo which is currently offering a FREE seven-day trial.

Radio coverage of the match can be followed on SiriusXM FC.

UK: This Spain vs. Croatia Euro 2024 match will be broadcast in the UK on ITV1 with fans in Scotland able to watch on STV. Streaming can be found on ITVX and the STV Player.

Canada: Euro 2024 matches can be seen in Canada on TSN's respective TV channel and live streaming services. TVA and CTV will also be showing the match.

Australia: Australia's sole broadcaster for Euro 2024 is Optus Sport.

India: Euro 2024 matches are available to stream on JioTV and Sony LIV and Spain vs. Croatia can also be viewed on Sony Ten Network on TV.

If Spain vs. Croatia match is not available to watch live in your location, or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.