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'Tika-Taka is back!' - Fans react as Spain qualify after edging out Italy in UEFA Euro 2024

Italy were victims of some beautiful football by Spain but held on right till the end. An own goal started off the proceedings and ultimately turned to be the match-winner for Spain today.

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Saatvik Oberoi
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This was the most hyped fixture after the groups for the UEFA Euro 2024 were revealed earlier this year. Spain faced Italy in their second match of Group B with a lot to play for both the teams. Since the two nations won their opening fixture of the tournament against Croatia and Albania, a win for either of these two teams would make their qualification to the knock-out stages certain.

There were no favourites at the start of the game but Spain certainly played like one during the first half. The 2010 World Cup champions looked lethal whenever they went on the attack with the young brigade of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on either flanks. 

Alvaro Morata tested Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first minute itself but his shot was saved. The keeper made another great save from the striker later in the half. Yamal and Williams were breathing down the necks of the Italian defence giving them no chance to score at the other end. However, no goals came till the half-time whistle was blown by the referee and it was all to play for in the second half.

How did the second half of the game between Spain and Italy pan out?

The second half began just like the first one ended as Spain dominated the ball and were looking to break the deadlock in this game. Luis de la Fuente’s side got the reward for their efforts as they were able to get the opener. An excellent low cross from Nico Williams was nodded towards the goal by Pedri. The keeper tries to get clear of the ball by in-turn putting up in the path of his own defender. Riccardo Califiori was the culprit as he got the last touch and unfortunately padded the ball into his own net. 

The game ended 1-0 in the favour of Spain as Italy could not muster any goal or major possession throughout the game. Even though the scoreline may not show it, Spain dominated proceedings for the full 90 minutes. This win has also ensured that they are qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

Fans react as Spain qualify after edging out Italy in UEFA Euro 2024:

Spain UEFA Euro 2024 Italy