Three months after facing criticism from a section of Spain fans, Alvaro Morata made a significant impact by scoring the opener in Spain’s impressive 3-0 victory over Croatia, marking the start of their Euro 2024 campaign on a high note.
Despite often being seen as a weak link due to Spain’s perceived lack of an elite number nine, the Atletico Madrid striker proved instrumental in their success in Berlin.
Morata, who has played for top European clubs like Juventus, Real Madrid, and Chelsea without becoming the consistent top scorer many had hoped, was pivotal in this match.
He opened the scoring after Spain dominated possession but began to see Croatia grow into the game. Fabian Ruiz’s excellent pass from deep midfield found Morata, who calmly finished with his weaker left foot past Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Although Morata limped off after 67 minutes, he reassured fans it was just a minor knock and that he would be ready for Spain’s next match against Euro 2020 champions Italy in Gelsenkirchen.
Morata’s goal not only set the tone for the match but also placed him fourth on Spain’s all-time top scorers list with 36 goals, behind David Villa, Raul, and Fernando Torres. Additionally, he equaled the third-highest goal tally in European Championship history, alongside Alan Shearer and Antoine Griezmann, with seven goals.
Spain’s win was further solidified by goals from Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal, ensuring a comfortable victory. Morata’s recent form, highlighted by this performance, shows his importance to the team despite the criticism he faced during a 3-3 friendly draw with Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu in March.
His ability to deliver in crucial moments will be key for Spain as they navigate the challenging ‘group of death’ in Euro 2024.
Of course some Real Madrid fans took the chance to insult a rival at club level, but if Morata was an indisputable key player for Spain they might not have been so dismissive.
“It hurts my soul that in my country they whistle a player from the national team… when I hear them whistle, I feel shame,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente in March, but he was far happier in Berlin.
– ‘You feel it’ –
Ahead of the clash with Croatia, Spain’s coach emphasized the need for the team to inspire national pride, noting a perceived lack of it in the country.
Alvaro Morata’s opening goal in the Euro 2024 match played a crucial role in achieving this, even though the 10,000 Spanish fans in attendance were vastly outnumbered by Croatian supporters at the Olympiastadion.
Morata expressed his gratitude to the fans who showed up to support the team. “You feel it when Spaniards want to back us and they come, it was important to start like that,” he said.
Despite not being on the same elite level as forwards like France’s Kylian Mbappe or England’s Harry Kane, Morata demonstrated against Croatia that he possesses the ability to make a significant impact for Spain this summer.
Although his form at the end of the club season with Atletico Madrid raised concerns—scoring only twice in his final 13 La Liga appearances—Morata looked sharp in a recent 5-1 friendly victory over Northern Ireland, where he found the net.
This performance was enough to keep him ahead of other central attacking options such as Joselu, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Ayoze Perez in the eyes of coach Luis de la Fuente. Morata’s selection paid off in the match against Croatia, and despite sustaining a minor calf injury, he is eager to face Italy next.
Morata’s contribution to Spain’s 3-0 victory against Croatia was not only crucial on the field but also in reinforcing a sense of national pride and confidence among supporters.
As Spain prepares for their next match against Italy, Morata’s performance will be pivotal in continuing their positive start to the tournament.
