Euro 2024: Spain midfielder Rodri becomes first player to receive suspension after change in rule
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has become the first player to be suspended because of a new rule introduced by UEFA for Euro 2024. It happened in Spain's match against Italy on Thursday, June 20, where they went on to record a narrow 1-0 victory.
Rodri picked up a yellow card at the end of the first half for complaining to the referee. According to a new regulation by UEFA, only captains are allowed to converse with the referee during the game. If the captain is a goalkeeper, he can nominate a man to speak on his behalf.
Rodri was also shown a yellow card in Spain's first match in Euro 2024 against Croatia when he brought Bruno Petkovic down inside the penalty box. Therefore, he will miss La Roja's next match against Albania.
Rodri's Spain have officially qualified for the Euro 2024 Round of 16 after their win against Italy
Despite missing a barrage of chances, La Rojas secured all three points agianst Italy at Euro 2024 on Thursday. Spain were on the front foot from the very first minute, and it was soon established that Luciano Spalletti's men would play defensive football and look for the occasional counter-attacking chance by throwing men forward.
Nico Williams had an exceptional match and kept making dynamic runs up and down the left flank to keep the opposition defense on its toes. He was also instrumental in creating the game's solitary goal.
In the 55th minute, Williams glided past the Italian defenders on the left flank and produced a perfect ball into the penalty box. It was met by Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who unfortunately passed the ball into his own net.
Spalletti's men threw the kitchen sink at the Spanish defense during the last 10 minutes and came close to scoring on several occasions. Despite the incessant attacks, the Spanish backline made up of Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand, and Daniel Carvajal absorbed all the blows. The red outfit also had a surefooted goalkeeper in Unai Simon, who marshaled his backline with finesse.
With the victory, Spain currently lead Group B with six points and have qualified for the Round of 16. They will play their last group match against Albania on June 24.