Germany — The night was filled with excitement as holders Italy and three-time winners Spain secured their spots in the Euro 2024 knockout stages.

Spain continued their impressive campaign, defeating Albania 1-0 to end the night with a maximum of nine points from three matches. With an excellent dink, Dani Olmo passed the ball into Ferran Torres’s path, who struck minute 13. The victory sealed a first place for them in the group and ensured Albania had the same fate as theirs: joining co-group mates Croatia and bowing out in poor grace.

The tension in Leipzig was palpable as Italy and Croatia battled it out for the second qualifying spot. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Luka Modric stepping up as Croatia’s maestro. He missed a penalty in the 54th minute, only to redeem himself with a powerful strike that gave his side the lead in the 55th minute. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, an injury-time dramatic equalizer from Mattia Zaccagni in the 10th minute of injury time saved the day. Despite the group rounds ending, Spain emerged as the clear favourite in Group B, leaving Italy to regroup after their nerve-wracking performance against Croatia.