Croatia beat Spain 3–2 in the final group match, with Jakov Dedić scoring a hat-trick. However, Spain still qualified for the semi-finals on tie-break criteria alongside Belgium, as all three teams finished level on points in Group A. Croatia narrowly missed out on progression. Spain lost their lead due to inefficiency in the box, while Croatia showed strong resilience until the final whistle.
Under Sergio García, Spain adopted a 1-4-3-3 structure, creating overloads against the opposition’s back four through the advanced positioning of their attacking midfielders and full-backs. This numerical advantage enabled them either to attack the space in behind with direct passes from the centre-backs or defensive midfielder to the attacking midfielders and wingers, or to progress centrally through quick one- and two-touch combinations (see images below).
On the right side, right winger Rubén Gómez and attacking midfielder Ebrima Tunkara combined effectively, frequently interchanging positions to disrupt the opposition’s coordinated press. Their understanding was key to the opening goal in the 56th minute, when Gómez played an outstanding through pass for Tunkara, who then produced a clever assist from a tight angle for Sánchez to finish.
Croatia, coached by Marijan Budimir and set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, defended out of possession with a front two as attacking midfielder Benkotić stepped up alongside Dedić, using this pressing structure to force the opposition towards the wide areas where they could apply aggressive pressure and regain possession (see image below).
Here the players who stood out in this match:
Arnau Cases (Spain / Espanyol), right-back born 2009.
Arnau is a tactically intelligent defender with excellent playmaking ability and defensive positioning. In possession, he showcased his playmaking qualities with precise long passes and switches of play, while also beating pressure through sharp changes of direction on the ball. Out of possession, he limited his direct opponent, Zuzic, in the first half through aggressive early pressure, intercepted crosses effectively, and proved strong in aerial duels.
Ebrima Tunkara (Spain / FC Barcelona), offensive midfielder born 2009.
Creative attacking midfielder with outstanding awareness and vision. He attacks space behind the defence with well-timed runs and consistently creates chances through precise passing. His assist demonstrated both his movement and technical quality, lifting the ball with the outside of his foot for Sánchez to score with a header. Comfortable carrying the ball, he can change direction quickly to evade opponents and progress play in advanced areas.
Rubén Gómez (Spain / Atlético Madrid), right winger born 2009.
Rubén is a quick and dynamic winger who excels in attacking 1v1 situations. His agility, close control, and creativity allow him to escape tight spaces and beat opponents effectively. Comfortable receiving between the lines, he consistently progresses play and creates chances for teammates, as demonstrated by the precise through pass that led to the first goal.
Jona Benkotic (Croatia / GNK Dinamo Zagreb), offensive midfielder born 2009.
Jonas is a tall attacking midfielder with outstanding technical ability, vision, and awareness. Comfortable receiving under pressure, he protects the ball well in tight spaces and can turn effectively into space. He demonstrates advanced tactical understanding, consistently linking play and combining intelligently with teammates through well-timed movements and positional awareness.
Jakov Dedic (Croatia / NK Osijek), striker born 2009.
Tall, physically imposing striker who excels in both aerial and ground duels, as well as hold-up play. He attacks space behind the defence with well-timed runs, as demonstrated by his first goal. Shows strong penalty-box awareness, consistently finding space to meet crosses and create scoring opportunities. His second goal highlighted his power and ball-carrying ability, driving past his defender from a wide position before finishing emphatically at the near post. His third goal showcased his sharp positioning and attacking instincts, reacting quickly to convert a rebound late in the match.
