Morata defies critics to spark Spain bid

Spain’s Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring against Croatia in Berlin. Pic/AFP

Three months after a section of Spain fans whistled Alvaro Morata, the striker got the ball rolling on their Euro 2024 bid by scoring the opener to inspire an impressive 3-0 win over Croatia on Saturday. Spain's lack of an elite number nine is often cited as one of the country's weak points but the Atletico Madrid forward set up three-time champions La Roja for a perfect start in Berlin.

The former Juventus, Real Madrid and Chelsea forward has bounced around some of Europe's biggest sides without fully convincing or becoming the consistently lethal weapon many hoped he could be. Morata limped off after 67 minutes but insisted after the game it was just a knock and he would be fit for Spain's second match in what was dubbed the ‘group of death'. "I am ready for Italy," he said, with Spain facing the Euro 2020 champions on Thursday in Gelsenkirchen.

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