However, the goals have continued to pour in, and the drama shows no signs of stopping. It has been an action-packed day of football.
Switzerland, Spain, and Italy emerged victorious from the three matches, and we’ve examined three crucial talking points from today’s games.
Swiss will be a tough opponent
Switzerland has advanced to the knockout round in each of their last five major tournament appearances, showing their ability to navigate challenging group-stage matches effectively.
Once more, the Swiss team delivered a confident performance against Hungary in their Group A opener, with Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer scoring decisive goals in a dominant first-half display by Murat Yakin’s squad.
Kwadwo Duah Scoring Pass Péter Gulácsi In Euro 2024
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the match was the defensive strength displayed by the Swiss team in the late stages featuring defenders such as Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and Newcastle United’s Fabian Schar.
Hungary seemed to have the momentum when Barnabas Varga scored with 25 minutes left, but Switzerland responded excellently to that setback, securing the game and even enhancing the scoreline in stoppage time with a goal from substitute Breel Embolo.
Yamal and Williams provide Spain with a new flow
During the 2022 World Cup and the 2020 European Championship, Spain displayed an attractive style of play, characterized by intricate passing and patient build-up.
However, the team appeared somewhat one-dimensional, lacking wide players with speed and directness to provide a different attacking dimension.
Nico Williams may have been part of the 2022 World Cup squad, but he recently solidified his position as a crucial player for the national team. In Spain’s 3-0 victory over Croatia tonight, Williams played on the left and posed a continuous threat.
On the other hand, Lamine Yamal at 16 years old started on the right wing, becoming the youngest player to start a European Championship match. Notably, he outperformed Williams on the field.
Yamal’s fearless attitude of taking on his opponents at every chance showcases a rare directness that is a rarity among contemporary wingers, making his gameplay truly enjoyable to witness.
Lamine Yamal Nutmeg Joško Gvardiol In Euro 2024
To cap off his remarkable and historic day, Yamal provided a world-class assist to Dani Carvajal with a sublime pinpoint pass from his exceptional left foot.
In the recent past, Spain’s style of play has occasionally been boring, but with the emergence of Williams and Yamal, they now possess two young and fearless talents who provide the team with the missing elements of speed and explosiveness presenting a fearsome challenge for both opposing defenders and managers.
Barella gives Italy a renewed sense of hope
In the European Championships final three years ago, Nicolo Barella was substituted before the hour mark as he struggled to leave a significant mark on the game.
However, the Inter star now appears to be the go-to player for his team when they require inspiration. Following Albania’s historic goal in the 23rd second, the reigning champions seemed shell-shocked.
However, Barella stole the spotlight with a technically exquisite volley, which proved to be the winning goal. It was a top-tier strike.
Nicolo Barella Celebrating His Goal Against Albania In Euro 2024
Moreover, his performance was exceptional throughout the pitch, as he displayed timely control in midfield, completing 105 successful passes. He was only bettered by Italy’s other goal-scorer, Alessandro Bastoni.
Barella and Bastoni made both their club and country proud tonight, marking the first time since 1970 that two Inter Milan players scored in the same tournament game for Italy.
Following the early setback, Italy grew in confidence as the match progressed, setting themselves up as a formidable challenge for both Croatia and Spain in Group B.
