Yamal, 16, leads Spain’s new generation to 3-0 win over Croatia at Euro 2024

 Dani Carvajal of Spain, right, celebrates scoring the 3-0 with Lamine Yamal of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2024 group B match between Spain and Croatia in Berlin, Germany, June 15. EPA-Yonhap

Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to appear in a European Championship as Spain’s new generation brushed aside Croatia’s challenge 3-0 in their opening game on Saturday.

And the Spanish did it without dominating ball possession for the first time in 136 competitive games tallied by stats analyst Opta. Spain had only 46 percent possession against Croatia, according to UEFA.

Yamal, aged 16 years, 338 days, also became the youngest to set up a goal at the tournament when he crossed for Dani Carvajal to score Spain’s third goal before the break.

The 21-year-old Nico Williams starred on the other flank for Spain, which is going for its fourth European title.

Midfielder Fabián Ruiz scored one goal and set up the opener for captain Álvaro Morata in a dominant performance from the team in red.

“We have to stay wary, stay calm and be proud. We have to keep improving in the next game,” Spain coach Luis De La Fuente 스포츠 said. He warned Spanish journalists not to get carried away. “We just have to stay calm and be professional.”

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón saved a penalty in the 80th from substitute Bruno Petkovi?, who thought he scored when Ivan Peri?i? sent in the rebound. But the goal was ruled out after a VAR review as Peri?i? was too keen and encroached on the penalty area before Petkovi? took the spot kick.

Defending champion Italy was playing Albania in the other Group B game later.

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