Day 2 of EURO 2024: Three Records, a Rain of Goals, “Home” Matches for Albania and Croatia
What a start to the tournament – 16 goals in the first 4 matches!
The second day of Euro 2024 featured three matches, marking the first full day of intense action. Summarizing Saturday’s events, it’s clear the wait for the tournament was worth it. We witnessed 10 goals in three matches, bringing the total to 16 in the first four games of the championship, averaging 4 per match!
First on the schedule was the Group A match between Hungary and Switzerland.
The “Crusaders'” complete dominance in the first half gave them a 2-goal lead. The Hungarians tried to score once but couldn’t seriously challenge their opponent or equalize. Thus, the final score was 3-1, with Germany and Switzerland having 3 points, while Hungary and Scotland had none.
This match also marked the first of the day’s three records. Dominik Szoboszlai led Hungary onto the field with the captain’s armband, becoming the youngest captain in the history of the European Championships at just 23 years old.
The second match of the day saw Spain and Croatia face off in Berlin, in the first match billed as a clash of major teams in the opening round of the group stage.
Over 50,000 Croatians created a home atmosphere for their team in the German capital. However, they did not witness a victory. On the contrary, the Spaniards gave a masterclass in the first half, leading 3-0 at the break. Álvaro Morata, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal scored, and the Croatian midfield, with the aging Modrić and Brozović, seemed to struggle against the Spaniards.
Towards the end, a Croatian goal was controversially disallowed, with VAR determining that Ivan Perišić entered the penalty area for a rebound before Petković’s penalty kick, which he missed but then scored from Perišić’s pass on the second attempt. Spain won 3-0, securing three points in Group B.
Another record was set here—Lamine Yamal started as a regular player and, at 16 years old, became the youngest player in the history of the European Championships to be in his team’s starting lineup in the final phase.
The third match of the day and the second in Group B saw an electrifying atmosphere in Dortmund. Over 50,000 Albanians created a home-like environment for their team, similar to the one in Berlin for the Croatians.
And again – a record! In the 23rd second, Nedim Bajrami struck Donnarumma after a gross Italian mistake, giving Albania the lead with the fastest goal in the history of the European Championships. The stadium was on the verge of collapse from the noise, but Italy overcame the shock swiftly.
In just 16 minutes, the champions responded with goals from Bastoni and Barella, both teammates at Inter.
Two players from the same club hadn’t scored in a match for Italy in a major tournament since 1970. Now, the duo’s goals came at a crucial moment.
The “Squadra” did not relinquish the victory, dominating and seeking more goals.
The final score was 2-1, placing Italy and Spain at the top of Group B with three points each, while Albania and Croatia had none.
Hungary – Switzerland 1:3
B. Varga (66′) ; K. Duah (12′), M. Aebischer (45′), B. Embolo, (90’+3)
Spain – Croatia 3:0
Álvaro Morata (29′), Fabián Ruiz (32′), Dani Carvajal (45’+2)
Italy – Albania 2:1
A. Bastoni (11′) , N. Barella (16′) ; N. Bajrami, (1′)
Group A Group B
1.Germany 3pts 1.Spain 3pts
2.Switzerland 3pts 2.Italy 3pts
3.Hungary 0pts 3.Albania 0pts
4.Scotland 0pts 4.Croatia 0pts
Upcoming matches in Group A: Upcoming matches in Group B:
– June 19: Germany vs. Hungary – June 19: Croatia vs. Albania
– June 19: Scotland vs. Switzerland – June 20: Spain vs. Italy
Read More About Nations.