Spain on Monday eliminated Albania from Euro 2024 with a 1-0 win, confirming England’s spot in the knockout stages in the process.
Albania exit the tournament with just one point, which they earned in their second group game by drawing 2-2 with Croatia.
Sylvinho’s side needed to beat Spain for the first time in their history to progress from Group B but got off to a nightmare start in Dusseldorf, conceding after just 13 minutes.
Dani Olmo slipped Ferran Torres through and the former Manchester City man caressed the ball into the net via the far post. It was Spain’s ninth meeting with Albania; they have won them all.
Albania grew into the game but were always held at arm’s length by a Spain side who had made 10 changes.
La Roja could have doubled their lead when Joselu missed a glorious chance after the break, fashioning an acrobatic volley but just striking wide of the mark.
Albania turned to Chelsea striker Armando Broja in search for a goal, and he tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya twice, including in stoppage time, but a leveller never came.
Spain now face the third-place side in Group D, E or F.
