During Spain’s 1-0 victory against Italy on Thursday night, a Manchester City player received a booking from the referee following complaints made before half time. The 27-year-old player missed Spain’s subsequent match against Albania on Monday due to a regulation that only allows the squad captain to interact with the referee.
This player had also been booked in Spain’s earlier 3-0 win over Croatia. The rule, introduced for Euro 2024, aims to curb the practice of players rushing the referee to influence decisions.
Despite the booking and his absence in the match against Albania, Spain’s victory over Italy secured their advancement to the final 16 of Euro 2024.
This win also ensured that Spain would finish at the top of their group, theoretically providing a more favorable draw in the knockout stages. Rodri, the player in question, who serves as a defensive midfielder, will be available for the crucial upcoming knockout match.
According to Sofascore, Rodri’s performance against Italy was remarkable, achieving a 100% passing success rate (58 out of 58) in the opponent’s half, the best in a Euros game since 1980.
This impressive feat surpassed previous records held by Belgium’s Dedryck Boyata and Denmark’s Andreas Christensen during Euro 2020.
As Spain gears up to face Albania on Monday night, they will be aiming for a perfect record of three wins from three matches in the group stage. Spain, which won the European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012, is one of only two teams, alongside Germany, to have already qualified for the knockout rounds of Euro 2024.
The match against Italy was pivotal for Spain as it demonstrated their ability to secure critical wins under pressure.
The game’s sole goal ensured Spain’s position at the top of their group, which is crucial for their strategic planning going into the knockout phases. This top position is likely to provide them with a comparatively easier opponent in the next round, increasing their chances of progressing further in the tournament.
Rodri’s contribution to the team cannot be overstated. His impeccable passing accuracy underlined his importance to Spain’s midfield dominance and overall game control.
The fact that he achieved such a high passing success rate in a competitive Euros match highlights his technical proficiency and composure under pressure. His return to the squad for the knockout stages will undoubtedly bolster Spain’s midfield strength and tactical execution.
Spain’s historical success in the European Championships, with back-to-back wins in 2008 and 2012, sets high expectations for their performance in Euro 2024.
The team’s current form, coupled with strategic victories and efficient gameplay, suggests they are well-prepared to make a deep run in the tournament. Their upcoming match against Albania, while already having secured their place in the knockout rounds, offers an opportunity to maintain their winning momentum and fine-tune their tactics.
