Albania’s failure to beat Spain meant England, France and the Netherlands were all assured of qualifying for the knockout stages, regardless of what happens in their last group games.
All of those teams are on four points from two games and would qualify at least as one of the best third-place teams.
Spain got the job done, but this 1-0 win was far less convincing than the victory by the same margin over Italy in its last game. Defender Aymeric Laporte was the only player to start both.
For much of the first half, Spain seemed on course for a big win, but Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino in particular missed good chances. Albania didn’t record a shot until the 45th minute.
Albania finally started to put pressure on Spain midway through the second half. Forward Broja came off the bench and forced a good save from Raya.
De la Fuente responded by sending on forwards Alvaro Morata and Lamine Yamal off the bench as Spain started to waste time where possible. Broja tested Raya again in stoppage time as Spain held on.
Albania was roared on in Duesseldorf by a mostly Albanian crowd keen to see what could have been one of the all-time upsets at the Euros. However, Albania was without forward Mirlind Daku, who was suspended by UEFA on Sunday after joining supporters’ nationalist chants with a megaphone following the 2-2 draw with Croatia on Wednesday.
Albania’s soccer federation was fined over incidents at both of its first two games. It looks set to face yet more charges after fans lit flares at the Spain game and a supporter ran onto the field.
De la Fuente’s changes kept right back Dani Carvajal and center back Robin le Normand — both one yellow card away from a ban — safe for the round of 16. Midfielder Rodri served a one-game suspension for two earlier bookings.
Spain will play its last-16 game on Sunday in Cologne against one of the third-place teams.
— Spain’s slick, confident performance in its 1-0 win over defending champion Italy means that the team — European champion in 1964, 2008 and 2012 — is once again being hailed as a favourite for the title. Germany and Portugal were the only other teams to win their opening two games.
— The one possible negative from Spain’s win over Italy was that it took an own goal from Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori. No Spain player has scored since Dani Carvajal just before half time in the opening 3-0 win over Croatia.
— Albania scored the opening goal in both of its games — breaking a record with one after just 23 seconds — but ended up with just one point after a 2-1 loss to Italy and a dramatic 2-2 draw with Croatia.
— It’s theoretically possible that a draw might be enough to qualify Albania for the round of 16 as one of the third-place teams with the best record but it would need several other results to go Albania’s way. Albania coach Sylvinho signaled he would aim for the win if possible.
Team news
— The big question is how much Spain coach Luis de la Fuente rotates his squad to rest players with the upcoming knockout stages in mind. He said Sunday he would pick “the players that we feel are apt for this game.” Even a second- or third-choice Spain team could win Euro 2024, Albania coach Sylvinho said.
— Spain midfielder Rodri is suspended for the game against Albania after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Italy. He broke a rule that only captains can speak with referees at Euro 2024.
— De la Fuente has decisions to make on right back Carvajal or central defender Robin le Normand, who have already been booked once. Another yellow card would leave them suspended for the round of 16. Defender Nacho and winger Ayoze Pérez are reportedly injury doubts.
— Albania forward Mirlind Daku is out with a two-game ban from UEFA after chanting nationalist slogans into a megaphone following the Croatia game.
By the numbers
— By completing the group stage without conceding a goal, Spain can emulate a feat only two teams managed at Euro 2020. They were Italy and England, who went on to meet in the final where Italy won on penalties.
— Spain won all eight of the games it’s ever played against Albania but needed a 90th-minute goal from Dani Olmo to win their most recent encounter 2-1 in a 2022 friendly.
What they’re saying
— “The last thing that we want is injuries. We’re just focused on sending out the best players for our game plan in tomorrow’s game. You might say that this one is rested or this one is rested, but this is a competition with seven games potentially.” — Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
— “We have proved we know what we’re doing, we have proved we can play against the strongest teams, teams that put pressure on us. So if you ask me if I think the team is ready to win this competition, my answer is yes.” — Spain defender Aymeric Laporte.
— “Spain welcomed me, my family and I have a life there. My children were born there and I played for Barcelona and Celta Vigo for a long time ... To be playing against Spain is fantastic. They’re a brilliant team with a superb coach and it’s a game I won’t forget.” -- Albania coach Sylvinho.
