Spain celebrate a goal at Euro24. Photo: AFP
Spain overran Croatia 3-0, striking three times in a sublime first half to earn maximum points in their Euro 2024 Group B opener and confirm their status as title contenders.
The Spaniards, seeking a record fourth Euro crown, struck twice in three minutes, with Fabian Ruiz setting up captain Alvaro Morata in the 29th minute before firing home himself.
Dani Carvajal volleyed in from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal's assist, the teenager becoming the youngest player to appear at a European Championship.
The Croats, desperate to replicate their World Cup success of recent years at the Euros where they have never won a knockout game, were no match for Spain's clever attacking play with coach Zlatko Dalic's plans going out the window after about half an hour.
Spain, who beat Croatia on penalties to win the Nations League last year, next play Italy while Croatia take on Albania.
Defending champions Italy recovered from the shock of conceding to Albania after 23 seconds to begin their campaign with a 2-1 win in front of a largely Albanian crowd.
Nedim Bajrami pounced on Federico Dimarco's poor throw-in to smash the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma for the fastest ever European Championship goal.
Italy equalised in the 11th minute through Alessandro Bastoni's towering header and Nicolo Barella put them ahead five minutes later, meeting a poor clearance with a superb strike from the edge of the box.
Although Italy controlled the game after Bajrami's goal, they created few clearcut chances in the second half and coach Luciano Spalletti cut a frustrated figure as his side failed to kill the game off but they held on to move level with Spain at the top of Group B.
Switzerland began their campaign in style with a 3-1 Group A victory over tournament dark horses Hungary with Kwadwo Duah, Michel Aebischer and Breel Embolo all on target.
Switzerland resisted late Hungarian pressure and Embolo seized on a defensive error in stoppage time to seal the points and put the Swiss level with Germany on three points after the hosts thrashed Scotland 5-1.
- Reuters