Spain have managed to squeeze out a 1-0 win in their final Euro 2024 Group B match. Ferran Torres scored the lone goal of the match, while the Albanian side came close at the very end to equalize.
The three points ensured that Luis De La Fuente’s side finished on top of Group B and eased into the knockout stages.
Albania National Football Team Player Ratings vs Spain
GOALKEEPER
Thomas Strakosha – 7: Should have done a lot better for the goal, but overall had a good game. Spain hardly threatened him and he made two saves when needed.
DEFENDERS
Iván Balliu – 6: Not the best performance from the right-back but he kept Oyarzabal quiet. Won all his duels but could not help in the final third when needed.
Arlind Ajeti – 7.5: Pick of the defenders today as he managed Joselu well. Was always on the striker and ensured that he did not get any space.
Berat Djimsiti – 7: Helped out well in keeping Joselu quiet and hardly put a foot wrong. Had a chance late in the game to score, but his header was wide.
Mario Mitaj – 6.5: Did well for most of the game, but got beaten easily for the only goal of the match. Apart from that, he did a good job keeping Torres and Yamal quiet.
MIDFIELDERS
Ylber Ramadani – 7: A solid performance in the middle of the pitch but just not enough to help his side over the line. Managed to complete all but two of his passes, while also winning 705 of his duels.
Kristjan Asllani – 7.5: Kept going until the very end and took four shots in the match. However, none troubled the Spanish keeper and that was the story of the match for Albania.
Jasir Asani – 6: Played 81 minutes, but was hardly involved as he was chasing the ball most of the game.
Qazim Laci – 6.5: Not the best performance from the attacking midfielder today. He was unable to get a shot away and spent most of the game chasing the ball.
Nedim Bajrami – 5.5: Hardly made an impact today and got booked before he was taken off in the 70th minute.
FORWARD
Rey Manaj – 5: No shots, 50% pass success and lost possession 9 times. Had to pull stats to write about the Albanian forward as he did not do anything significant in the 60 minutes on the pitch.
SUBSTITUTES
Armando Broja – 6
Arber Hoxha – 6
Medon Berisha – 6
MANAGER
Sylvinho – 7
Spain National Football Team Player Ratings vs Albania
GOALKEEPER
David Raya – 6: Had to make three saves, but the biggest threat to his goal was himself. He tried to fire a pass to a midfielder, but the ball bounced off Laporte and came back to the goalkeeper.
DEFENDERS
Jesús Navas – 7: The 38-year-old was rock solid in defense once again and managed to keep the Albanian forward quiet throughout the match.
Daniel Vivian – 7: Did not have a lot to do in the defensive third and was more involved in keep possession near the half line.
Aymeric Laporte – 7: Played just the first half but managed to put in a proper shift. He did not win any of his duels but hardly had to break a sweat today.
Alejandro Grimaldo – 7: Showed the world why he is the best-attacking left-back right now with a solid performance. However, it would be a surprise if he starts next match as he was not involved a lot in defending.
MIDFIELDERS
Martín Zubimendi – 7: He ensured that Spain did not miss Rodri and put in a shift that was worth noticing. However, he too isn’t expected to be in the starting XI in the next match as the experienced star will be back from suspension.
Mikel Merino – 7.5: Had more involvement in retaining the possession today than going into the final third or the defensive third. Kept his composure and was always available for a pass.
Ferran Torres – 7.5: Scored the all important goal to keep Spain’s winning run going. Could force the manager to make space for him in the next match.
Dani Olmo – 8: NO goal today, but he assisted Ferran Torres with a beautiful ball into the box. Was a live wire on the pitch and did not give Albanian defenders any chance.
Mikel Oyarzabal – 6.5: Not his best game but not his worst either. Managed just one shot and was hardly involved in play.
FORWARD
Joselu – 7: Should have got on the scoresheet today but failed to get any of his three shots on target. Was a threat in the box, but did not give the manager enough to keep his place in the next match.
SUBSTITUTES
Robin Le Normand – 6
Fermín López – 6
Lamine Yamal – 6
Alvaro Morata – 6
MANAGER
Luis De La Fuente – 8
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