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.

ITV

Gary Neville was left stunned by Josko Gvardiola’s positioning in Croatia’s 3-0 loss to Spain[/caption]

AFP

The left-back had a torrid day as he played a bizarre hybrid No10 role[/caption]

Getty

Alvaro Morata took advantage of the free space to score Spain’s opener[/caption]

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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