Gary Neville stunned by Croatia tactics for Spain opener as he spots positioning of £77m Premier League star
GARY NEVILLE was left stunned by Croatia’s tactics against Spain as he spotted the bizarre positioning of £77million Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol.
The two sides clashed in Saturday’s Euro 2024 group stage battle in Berlin, with Croatia losing 3-0 to their rivals.
And it was Spain who drew first blood after half an hour when Alvaro Morata broke clean through to fire home.
Croatia’s defence was split wide open as the ex-Chelsea man put Spain on their way to glory.
He latched on to a through-ball from deep before hitting the target.
And ITV pundit Neville was left bemused by the positioning of City ace Gvardiol, who was still up the opposite side of the field as the ball went in.
The left-back had strayed miles from his usual position and appeared to be operating almost like a No10 when Croatia lost possession.
He did not move quick enough to defend, allowing Spain to take control and ping the ball for Morata to finish.
Fans reacted to Gvardiol’s error, with one saying: “Gvardiol fighting for his life.”
Another declared: “Cooked Gvardiol.”
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One noted: “I still can’t understand Gvardiol’s position, is he playing as a winger or midfielder.”
Another added: “Gvardiol been shocking at left-back today.”
Morata’s goal inspired Spain to a second moments later, with Fabian Ruiz dancing his way through Croatia’s defence to double his side’s lead.
Dani Carvajal then headed Spain into a 3-0 lead before half-time.
But they were given a fright late on when they conceded a penalty with 10 minutes to play.
It was saved by Unai Simon but the rebound was put away.
However, the goal was disallowed entirely after replays showed Croatia players encroaching in Spain’s box as the penalty was struck.
And the whistle blew on a 3-0 win for Morata and Co, putting them top of Group B ahead of Italy’s clash with Albania.
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BBC and ITV's Euro 2024 line up in full
Here's how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend