It was a little late and a little bit lucky, but the European champions finally scored the goal to conclude their homecoming. Kasper Schmeichel resisted for 79 minutes but failed to convince Liverpool that almost out of nowhere Martin Zvimendi, who the coach calls the second best midfielder in the world after the player who came on as a substitute, volleyed home. I hit. It touched the Danish keeper's hand and was sucked into the net. Just when it looked like the Henri Delaunay trophy would be out of reach, the party ended up going pretty well in Murcia as 29,870 people exploded.
Despite only 24 shots and some deflections, Spain beat Denmark to take first place in the group and cap off the occasion with a win that looked like it would be a narrow escape. Schmeichel had made five saves up to that point, including two in a one-on-one with Alvaro Morata, but ultimately had to shoulder some of the blame for Denmark's defeat on a night where they were at their best. . Still, there was a time here when it felt like the game might lean toward a draw, but they probably would have been happy. choice They got the victory they deserved.
They also came to win. It was a tribute to the champions as it was their first match on Spanish soil since winning Euro 2024 in Berlin, even if not everyone could return. Only four of Berlin's starting lineup started here: Aymeric Laporte, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Morata. Unai Simon, Dani Carvajal, Rodri, Robin Le Normand, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres were all missing from the squad due to injury. Nico Williams and Le Normand then left, but they weren't the only ones, Brian Gill and Yeremi Pino also left.
The leaders of this team, Rodri and Carvajal, were the worst of them all. Both players suffered serious knee ligament ruptures, and as the fixture list continues to grow, injuries have been a constant fear in Spain this season. It dominated the build-up in this match and perhaps even threatened their chances. For some, it seemed like what really mattered was that the players got through the situation unscathed. Not for the Spanish players, not for the people who lined the streets and stands here. Certainly not for Zvimendi, who had to replace Rodri.
“Rodri is the best in the world in his position and is irreplaceable, but Martin is the second best,” Luis de la Fuente said. “He exudes confidence from every pore. He doesn't get nervous walking a tightrope without a safety net.” He was rewarded as the winner.
Of the group of captains, these injuries left only Morata, who revealed this week that he had suffered from depression and anxiety attacks and required medication and psychiatric treatment. Three months before the tournament, he thought there was no way he would make it to Germany. Instead, he hoisted the trophy after years of feeling misunderstood and the target of easy jokes. Here he was given the chance to lift it again and was greeted with the kind of warmth that had previously been denied him. However, in terms of scoring, he was up against Schmeichel.
Denmark did not come to pay homage. They were at the top of their group with two wins from two matches and wanted to play their part. There was also the first chance, when David Raya made a save from Kasper Dolberg at his near post in front of 1,500 away fans. Initially, it was Spain who took the initiative, but although they dominated the ball, they had few chances. Alex Grimaldo's shot was easy for Schmeichel, Zvimendi tipped the volley just wide, and when the best chance came, Morata fired just over the far post. Lamine Yamal's curler was then saved before his and Pedri's shots were blocked on the edge of the area.
However, the intensity was decreasing and Denmark were starting to find breakthroughs, especially on the right flank. Raya had to act quickly when the sharp combination of Christian Eriksen and Albert Gronbek put Spain ahead. In another exchange involving Eriksen and Dolberg, Dolberg clipped a cross that looked like it would have gone into goal. Then Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's shot deflected off Laporte and almost went under the bar. It wasn't much, but it was something.
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Where once there might have been groans, there was even generous, polite applause when Morata's shot went wide. Lamine Yamal scored with a clean through, and Lewis found the side netting at the start of the second half. Spain had the upper hand but lacked a bit of an edge and no incision. Until Morata was brought on by a brilliant pass from Luiz. But that time Schmeichel got in the way and soon the captain had another chance and did so again, this time with Laporte playing on.
Denmark seems to have compromised on this. Spain were still not, but the pace picked up again and just as Mexico's first wave started circling the ground, Lamine Yamal's quick feet created an opening on the edge of the area and Schmeichel saved. Time was ticking away, but they decided to enjoy it anyway, and when Zvimendi scored, they were able to really unwind.
