A goal from Abel Ruiz after 20 seconds puts Spain in the quarterfinals

Spain provokes the feeling in its rivals that protecting itself is the most it can do and that superiority has already led them to the quarterfinals of the European Under-21 Championship in which, with each game that passes, Santi Denia's team shows itself as the most mature selection, creditor of its status as favorite not only for the pedigree but for what it shows on the field. He undressed Romania as soon as it was neglected and Croatia, tender, didn't even let her breathe in the first part to handcuff her comfortably in the second. [Narration and Stats (1-0)]

The Croats left the locker room with the score against. Seven passes from Abel Ruiz's kick-off cost him the ball to return to the Valencian's boot to put the lead on the scoreboard. The left-footed connection between Miranda and Sergio Gómez ended with a cross that, this time, the Braga striker did not miss. On the second ball he touched, he erased that incredible mistake in the debut game.

In this Spain Under-21 there are no experiments, there are no doubts. Denia has a very clear block that accompanies it from the Under-17, with automatisms typical of a club team, which appropriates the ball, moves it quickly to the shores and with their daggers Rodri and Sergio Gómez hit mercilessly. Against Croatia, the central pair Paredes and Pacheco established themselves and only Víctor Gómez on the right side was the novelty in the eleven. The rest works almost like clockwork.

chasing shadows

If Romania held on for 20 minutes, Croatia could not do it for even 20 seconds. The team, at a comfortable pace, was taking the game where it wanted at all times without the Croats finding a way to avoid it. They kneaded or accelerated it at convenience while the rivals chased shadows unable to find Baturina, who appeared well into the first part. By then Spain had already had clear chances to fatten the score. The clearest of Sergio Gómez with a poisoned cross that the goalkeeper Kotarski saved when he was already slipping close to the crossbar.

Croatia had no choice but to wake up. Defeated by Ukraine, a second setback left them out of the competition and the score, despite their superiority, was short. A mistake gave them life. He warned with a header from Frigan and looked for the most biting coach Dragan Skocic. It was more difficult for Spain to approach the area although Sancet had his chance and Miranda a left-footed shot that crashed on the outside of the post. The Betis side is an attack weapon for Denia, but he looked for more on an enviable bench. And it is that the game was becoming uncomfortable.

Arnau's stop

Gabri Veiga, Aimar Oroz and Camello are oxygen cylinders to throw away when short of breath. It was necessary to disturb as a way to contain the desperate rival. They were able to do it in a corner kick taken by Sergio Gómez who walked along the goal line without a finisher. Also in an escape from Rodri, who forced a shot into Kotarski's hands without the possibility of giving Camello the opportunity.

Faced with so much mercy, Croatia was about to give a scare due to Frigan's faith, chasing bad Spanish clearances in the six-yard box until Arnau Tenas said enough was enough. Denia looked at the bench again and propped up the team with Marco Gila and Barrenetxea to get into the quarterfinals on the fast track.

Abel Ruiz's meteoric goal keeps Spain in the lead of the group, with four goals scored and a clean sheet, but they will play it on Tuesday against Ukraine, who have not dropped any points after beating and eliminating Romania. That's where the real championship will start.