Spain captain Alvaro Morata emerges as a possible doubt for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final after a bizarre incident following Spain’s 2-1 win over France in the semi-finals.
Alvaro Morata has emerged as a possible doubt for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final after a bizarre incident which occurred following Spain‘s 2-1 win over France in the semi-finals.
The Spain captain was substituted in the 76th minute of La Roja’s narrow success, but he joined in the post-match celebrations, as the national side celebrated booking their spot in the final.
A supporter attempted to get a picture with the Spain players after the clash, which led to a security guard intervening, and he slipped and fell into Morata, which left the striker limping.
The 31-year-old appeared in pain following the incident, raising fears that he could now be a doubt for Sunday’s final against either England or Netherlands.
This looked painful 😬#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #ESPFRA pic.twitter.com/3goaxG9RLf
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 9, 2024
Spain will be sweating over Morata fitness
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was unable to give an update on the forward’s potential issue on Tuesday night, but he is hopeful that his captain will be available for the final.
“Alvaro… We have to wait and see tomorrow. We believe it’s nothing. It hurts, but we think it’s nothing,” De la Fuente told reporters after the narrow success over France.
Morata has played in all six of Spain’s Euro 2024 fixtures, scoring once and providing one assist, and the Atletico Madrid forward will again lead the La Roja line in the final if he is available for selection.
France took an early lead in the semi-final through Randal Kolo Muani, but 16-year-old Lamine Yamal scored a brilliant equaliser in the 21st minute before Dani Olmo sent La Roja 2-1 ahead four minutes later.
“Lamine is doing things which give hints that he might be a great of sport,” De la Fuente told UEFA.com when asked about the Barcelona youngster. “But we need to remain prudent.
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De la Fuente lavishes praise on Yamal
“We have to help him by keeping his feet on the ground and developing him in the best way. That’s about calm and tranquillity. In Ancient Rome, when they talked about Caesar they would say: ‘Remember he’s mortal!'”
“He looks like a much more experienced player. I’m happy he’s in our team and I hope we can enjoy him for years to come.
“I have to keep my faith in this group of players. They always work for the common good. They’re very generous with their work rate. It’s just another sign that this is an insatiable team. I’m proud to be able to direct these players.”
“I know [my players] can give much more and be even better, and I’m pretty sure we will. Our idea of football is based on our self-assurance. We want to play to our strengths.”
Spain have won all six of their matches at Euro 2024, beating Croatia, Italy and Albania in the group stage, before thus far overcoming Georgia, Germany and France in the knockout rounds.