Euro 2024 – Albania 0-1 Spain: Ferran Torres goal wins it for La Roja as Sylvinho's side eliminated (2024)

Spain eliminated Albania from Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory that made it three wins from three in Group B.

Having already qualified as group winners, Luis de la Fuente made 10 changes to his starting line-up but the fluency remained as they took the lead early on through Barcelona forward Ferran Torres.

Spain, captained by 38-year-old Jesus Navas, had chances to extend their lead through the impressive Dani Olmo and veteran striker Joselu but the second goal never did come. They did not need it.

A consequence of this result is that England, with four points from two games, are now guaranteed to reach the knockout stages regardless of what happens in their game against Slovenia on Tuesday evening.

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Albania did have opportunities of their own, Arsenal's David Raya saving well from Kristjan Asllani and substitute Armando Broja. But Sylvinho's side were at their limit trying to cope with Spain's superior quality and their spirited tournament is over.

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The only previous team to win every group game without conceding a goal at a European Championship are Italy three years ago and they went on to lift the trophy. With such strength in depth, a repeat of that feat cannot be ruled out.

Analysis: Spain's depth to be key?

While Gareth Southgate looks set to stick with a similar line-up for England's third and final group game at Euro 2024, still searching for that positive performance to take some serious belief into the knockout stages, his Spain counterpart was able to rotate.

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Having already secured top spot in Group B thanks to two wins from two, his purring stars had to sit out the win against Albania from the start. That feels unlikely to disturb their rhythm with games coming so quickly, but it allowed others to shine.

Euro 2024 – Albania 0-1 Spain: Ferran Torres goal wins it for La Roja as Sylvinho's side eliminated (1)

Torres scored the goal but there was lots to enjoy about Olmo's performance, while the full-backs Navas and Alex Grimaldo were attacking threat. Mikel Merino showed his quality in midfield. Raya made several big saves. All will have gained confidence.

All can probably expect to be back on the bench when Spain return to action in the round of 16 but they will do so having had a taste of this tournament, ready to impact the game during the second half of that one if required. It might just make a difference.

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Player of the match: Ferran Torres

Euro 2024 – Albania 0-1 Spain: Ferran Torres goal wins it for La Roja as Sylvinho's side eliminated (2)

Premier League audiences hardly knew Torres, leaving as he did so early into his second season as a Manchester City player, but his record for Spain is remarkable. The winner here was his 20th goal for the national team in only 44 senior appearances.

It was a beautiful finish too, curled into the far corner with his left foot after latching onto a delightful pass into the space by Olmo. Torres is a player who makes that run from out to in so well and it continues to bring him success in front of goal.

The competition in those wide areas is clear given how Lamine Yamal has wowed everyone with his displays in Germany. But Torres offered a reminder of his reliability and will expect more minutes before Spain's Euro 2024 journey is over.

Stats: Story of the match

Group B final results...

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Euro 2024 – Albania 0-1 Spain: Ferran Torres goal wins it for La Roja as Sylvinho's side eliminated (2024)

FAQs

Euro 2024 – Albania 0-1 Spain: Ferran Torres goal wins it for La Roja as Sylvinho's side eliminated? ›

Euro 2024 – Albania 0-1 Spain: Ferran Torres goal wins it for La Roja as Sylvinho's side eliminated. Spain eliminated Albania from Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory that made it three wins from three in Group B.

Who won Albania vs Spain? ›

Take a look at the major talking points from the match between Albania and Spain in Euro 2024 Group B. Spain beat Albania 1-0 to complete its group stage with three wins out of three games at the Dusseldorf Arena on Monday.

Did Albania qualify for the Euro 2024? ›

Yes indeed. The good news for England, is that they are officially through to the last 16 of Euro 2024. Albania failing to beat Spain did it, meaning even if England lose against Slovenia in their final group-stage game on Tuesday, they will qualify for the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams.

Can Spain win the Euro 2024? ›

This time, they are well among the favourites to become the first side in the competition's history to lift the famous trophy four times. And they've started the tournament well, confirming top spot of Group B with three wins and three clean sheets against Croatia, Italy and Albania.

When and where is Euro 2024? ›

UEFA EURO 2024 kicked off on Friday 14 June and ends with the final in Berlin on Sunday 14 July. See dates, venues and schedule.

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