Northern Ireland started the match with a goal headed by Ballard in the 2nd minute. However, after a great goal, the situation turned not in favor of Northern Ireland, but Spain, who in the 12th minute equalized the score with 1 – 1. In the 18th minute, Spain scores another goal, which now controls the situation and dominates the field.
MAN OF THE MATCH: LAMINE JAMAL (SPAIN)
The 16-year-old Barcelona winger provided two assists for Ruiz and Ojarzabal to seal the score before enjoying a standing ovation after being replaced by Josep in the second half. He has lit up the competition with his natural pace and skills, and looks set to be a key talent in the Euro 2024 finals.
PLAYER RATINGS
Spain: Unai Simon 6, Jesus Navas 7, Nacho 7, Robin Le Normand 7, Marc Cucurella 7, Pedri 8, Rodri 7, Fabian Ruiz 7, Lamine Jamal 8, Alvaro Morata 7, Nico Williams 8 Subs: Dani Carvajal 6, Mikel Merino 6, Joselu 6, Alex Grimaldo 6, Aymeric Laporte 6, Mikel Ojarzabal 7
Northern Ireland: Bailey Peacock-Farrell 7, Jamal Lewis 6, Eoin Toal 6, Jonny Evans 7, Daniel Ballard 7, Trey Hume 6, Conor Bradley 6, Caolan Boyd-Manns 6, Shea Charles 6, Isaac Reid 6, Jamie Subs: Conor McMenamin 6, Dale Taylor 6, Corey Evans 6, Jordan Thompson 6, Ross McCausland 6, Brodie Spencer 6
THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE MATCH
2′ GOAL! SPAIN 0-1 NORTHERN IRELAND (BALLARD) Would you believe this! 66 seconds on the clock and Danny Ballard rises to head over Simon and into the net. Spain were nowhere to be seen from the free-kick as Boyd-Mans floated in the ball on the outside. Terrible defense, it must be said. 1-0 for the guests.
12′ GOAL! (PEDRI) SPAIN 1-1 NORTHERN IRELAND And just like that, the home team are level as Pedri hits a low shot from distance into the corner of the net. A great finish. And the first real attack of the evening brings an equalizer to the home team. First goal for Spain for Pedri.
18′ GOAL! (MORATA) SPAIN 2-1 NORTHERN IRELAND And suddenly Spain are firmly in control. The bursting small cross of Jesus Navas. Right on par and Morata rises unmarked to head the ball into the corner of the net. 2-1 for Spain, who are now in a good mood.
30′ GOAL! (PEDRI) SPAIN 3-1 NORTHERN IRELAND And it’s game, set and match for sure as Williams beats the offside trap to tee up Pedri for the third. What a great goal. Northern Ireland simply cannot deal with such a fast ball. 21-year-old Pedri looks like a future star ahead of the Euros.
34′ GOAL! (FABIAN RUIZ) SPAIN 4-1 NORTHERN IRELAND And the visiting fans look fed up as Jamal delivers a superb cross to pick out Fabian Ruiz on the run and he deflects the ball into the net. So, so easy. Lovely finish. Suddenly it’s 4-1 for Spain.
60′ GOAL! (OIARZABAL) SPAIN 5-1 NORTHERN IRELAND Ojarzabal punishes more poor defending from the visitors as he knocks the ball into the net from Jamal’s cutback. Bad defense really didn’t manage to clear the 5-1 for Spain.