EUROS 2024: Spain Stay Perfect at Euro 2024

Spain kept their perfect record at Euro 2024, defeating and eliminating Albania. This result ensured England, France, and the Netherlands advanced to the last 16.

Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, now at Barcelona, scored in the 13th minute, finishing off Dani Olmo's pass with a low shot that bounced in off the post.

Albania's Kristjan Asllani tested Spain's goalkeeper David Raya with a powerful 25-yard strike. Raya, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal from Brentford, also denied Fulham striker Armando Broja's shot on the turn. Albania couldn't find an equalizer and finished bottom of Group B.

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Spain, three-time European champions, had already secured the top spot in their group with wins over Croatia and Italy. Coach Luis de la Fuente made 10 changes to his starting lineup. His substitutions ensured every outfield player in their 26-man squad played during the group stage.

Spain dominated Albania from the start. Jesus Navas, now 38 and playing as an attacking right-back, provided a fine cross, and Mikel Merino's shot was parried. Joselu also went close before Torres opened the scoring.

After Torres' goal, Spain had chances to seal the win, but Olmo, Torres, Merino, and Joselu missed opportunities. Albania needed a win to progress, but their loss, combined with Italy's 1-1 draw against Croatia, left Sylvinho's side at the bottom of the group.

Spain's win guaranteed England's progression from Group C and France's and the Netherlands' from Group D, as all three had already taken four points from two matches. These teams will at least feature among the four best third-placed finishers, which is enough to advance.

Only Spain and Portugal have won all their matches at Euro 2024 so far, with Portugal set to play their third group match against Georgia on Wednesday. Spain will play their last-16 match on Sunday in Cologne (20:00 BST) against a third-placed team from Groups A, D, E, or F.

Albania's Euro Adventure Ends

Albania, making only their second European Championship appearance, faced a tough group with Spain, reigning champions Italy, and 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia. They earned admiration for their spirited performances, scoring the fastest goal in Euros history against Italy after just 23 seconds. Although they lost 2-1 to Italy, they drew 2-2 with Croatia, thanks to a stoppage-time equalizer.

Against Spain, Albania battled hard. Substitute Broja caused problems, but they couldn't find the goal they needed to come third in the group. Asllani fired wide, and Broja missed a late chance, ending their competition.

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