Player Ratings Spain v Croatia: Teenager Lamine Yamal shows glimpses of bright future in easy Euro 2024 win

Spain launched into Euro 2024 with a straightforward victory over Croatia, beating their Group B opponents 3-0 on Saturday.

Captain Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for Luis de la Fuente's men in Berlin, following a fine assist from Fabian Ruiz, and it was Ruiz who doubled the lead with an impressive solo goal.

The standout moment, however, might have come from Lamine Yamal, when the 16-year-old assisted Dani Carvajal with a brilliant cross to make it 3-0.

Croatia thought they had reduced the score in the second half, when substitute Bruno Petkovic won a penalty, hit the spot and subsequently scored, but the goal was ruled out for encroachment.

Here are the player ratings from the opening match of Group B of the European Championship:

Spain

Unai Simon, 7 years old. Resisted well on several occasions as Croatia looked to fight back in the first half.

Dani Carvajal, 7 years old. Defensively solid, frustrating Kramaric. Added Spain's third goal with a well taken and stabbed finish.

Robin Le Normand, 6 years old. Wasn't troubled as much as his opponents in the Croatian defense, but moved the ball quite well.

Nacho, 6 years old. Like Le Normand, was not too threatened but effectively aided the Spanish possession when needed.

Marc Cucurella, 8 years old. Heavily involved, pressing high without the ball and pushing with it. Made a brilliant sliding block to stop a Stanisic shot in the second half.

Fabian Ruiz, 8. Great pass to split the Croatian defense and assist Morata, then a superb turn, touch and finish to double Spain's lead.

Rodri, 5 years old. The distribution was as neat and positive as usual, although he was occasionally bypassed by the dynamic Croatian central midfielders, and he awarded a penalty when Petkovic was (surely) about to score.

Pedri; 7. Provided the pass for Ruiz's goal, although Ruiz did most of the work there. He should have made an assist for Yamal later, but the teenager was unable to take advantage. Replaced by Olmo in the 60th minute.

Lamine Yamal, 7 years old. The 16-year-old (16!) was lively on the right wing and delivered a superb cross to assist Carvajal. He should have scored on goal in the second half, but showed his skills throughout with some slick runs.

Alvaro Morata, 7. The captain took the opener rather well after a nice touch to keep the ball away from Pongracic, but goalkeeper Livakovic will be slightly disappointed. Substituted midway through the second half.

Nico Williams, 7 years old. Full of intent, and his end product – like Yamal’s – improved as the game progressed. Make way for Merino when Morata is also gone.

Submarines: D Olmo, 6 years old; Mr. Oyarzabal, 6 years old; M Merinos; 6; M Zubimendi, so; F Torres, n/a.

Croatia

Dominik Livakovic, 6 years old. Would have liked to have done better for Morata's goal, given that the shot was relatively central and not that powerful. He redeemed himself somewhat to push Yamal back at point blank range.

Josip Stanisic, 5 years old. With Majer's help, he contained Williams and Cucurella for a while, but that wouldn't last. Was denied a goal by a crucial block from Cucurella.

Josip Sutalo, 4 years old. He had to do better to prevent Ruiz from turning in the box for Spain's second goal.

Marin Pongracic, 4 years old. Caught by Ruiz's assist for Morata, whose run also took the centre-back offside. He later failed to past Carvajal for the Spaniards' third goal.

Josko Gvardiol, 5 years old. The best of the Croatian defenders, even if it's more the result of his forward efforts.

Luka Modric, 7 years old. Once he started dropping deep to win the ball back, his team enjoyed a lot more possession. Made way shortly after the hour mark.

Marcelo Brozovic, 6 years old. Played some smart, positive passes through the middle as Croatia progressed into the match. But like Sutalo, he gave Ruiz too much time on the ball in a dangerous position.

Mateo Kovacic, 6 years old. Helped orchestrate a period of Croatian comfort and often moved forward with promise. However, his finishing let him down and he went off with Modric in the second half.

Lovro Majer, 6 years old. Was pushed back at first, but then took advantage of opportunities to move forward. One of the most positive players for Croatia.

Andrej Kramaric, 4 years old. He clearly imagined his chances of disturbing the Spanish defense, but he quickly realized that it would be more difficult than expected, thanks to a stubborn Carvajal. Substituted in the 72nd minute.

Ante Budimir, 5 years old. Still a fan of aerial duels, albeit with mixed results. Perhaps he could have done better when Gvardiol sent a ball in front of the goal…

Submarines: I Perisic, 6 years old; M, Pasalic, 5 years old; L Susic, 5 years old; B Petkovic, 6.