New Delhi: Spain and Albania headed into their final game of the group stages with very different mindsets. Spain were the only team in the group that had secured their qualification to the next round with two wins in two whereas Albania’s qualification hopes were hanging by a thread following a defeat and a draw from their first two games.
Having already secured qualification, Spain only required a point to secure the top spot in their group, which meant they could rest quite a few key players for the upcoming knockout stages. Manager Luis de la Fuente chose to do exactly that as he made as many as 10 changes to the side that played against Italy. Aymeric Laporte was the only remaining member from that match as he partnered with Daniel Vivian at the back. Players like David Raya, Joselu, Navas and Grimaldo were also given a chance to impress.
Albania, on the other hand, didn’t have the luxury Spain did as this was a must-win game for them to keep their chances of qualification alive. Their manager, Sylvinho made one change to the side that drew against Croatia as Elseid Hysaj made way for Iván Balliu at right-back. He chose to tweak his formation a bit as he switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, opting for a bit of defensive solidity against an attacking side like Spain.
The game was off to a quick start as both teams dominated the possession in the first 10 minutes of the match. Ferran Torres made the most of his start as he gave his side the lead early into the game with a calm finish past Strakosha in goal.
Torres’ first-half goal eventually proved to be the winner for the Spaniards as they became the first side to win all their group stage games while Albania crashed out at the group stages, finishing bottom of the group but showed great heart and courage in their performances in the Group of Death.
Key Highlights as Spain maintain their perfect start
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game to give his side the win (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Both teams started the game brightly as both had periods where they dominated the ball and created chances for their side to take the lead.
Merino rose highest to a cross from Navas for the first shot of the game but failed to test Thomas Strakosha with his header as he hit straight at the Albania keeper.
Spain took the lead in the 13th minute of the game as Ferran Torres to on the end of a lovely pass from Dani Olmo and scored it beautifully past Strakosha with a calm and composed finish that went in off the post.
Torres rose to head the ball from a cross but his header goes above the bar at the back post. He was left unmarked in the box, and had time on his side, he should’ve done better.
Just before half-time, Albania got their first shot of the game as Asllani smashed a shot from outside the box, and it looked to be sailing into the net, only for it to be palmed away by David Raya.
Joselu almost made it 2-0 just after the second half started as he made something out of nothing by somehow connecting with an Alejandro Grimaldo cross.
Right after coming on, Armando Broja forced a great save from Raya once again. The striker could’ve taken a bit more time with his shot and might’ve gotten himself on the scoresheet.
Asillani looked to test David Raya once again with a shot from outside the box. He hit the ball with a lot of power, but it was directionless and wide of the post.
Broja is once again denied by Raya. The final chance of the match fell to the Albania striker as the ball dropped in the box for Albania, and Broja managed to get a shot away. David Raya was once again on hand to deny him and ensure three points for his side.
Albania played their final game in this year’s UEFA European Championships where they faced Spain at the Düsseldorf Arena. Spain won the game 1-0 thanks to Ferran Torres’ 13th minute strike. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
