Spain have been brilliant in their thrilling run to the Euro 2024 final, but just one of their 13 goals in Germany came from striker and captain Alvaro Morata, who remains a target of criticism. England, meanwhile, struggled on the road to Berlin despite facing generally weak opposition, but they still believe they can turn the tables on Sunday, especially if Morata’s drought continues. The Atletico Madrid striker has been criticised back home after scoring just four goals in 30 games for club and country, and his attitude has also been harshly judged.
While explosive wingers Ramin Yamal and Nico Williams have enjoyed success in Germany, Morata has struggled despite a strong start to Spain’s opening game against Croatia.
The 31-year-old scored his first goal for his country in the competition with a stunning finish from a corner in La Roja.
Morata’s goal took him into fourth place as Spain’s all-time top scorer with 36 goals, but he has since failed to score in five games.
His work rate is unquestionable and his intelligent movement is a huge help to his team-mates, but his inability to score goals is a concern for Spain.
If Spain win the Olympiastadion in Berlin for the fourth time in their history, Morata will be able to claim his place in the competition’s most dangerous system.
But if England win, his failure to score will be the first criticism from Spanish critics.
Morata said earlier this week that Euro 2024 would likely be his last for the national team as he felt he had been unfairly targeted.
“In Spain, no one or nothing is respected,” Morata complained in an interview with El Mundo before the semi-final win over France.
Some Spanish media outlets criticised Morata’s comments, with El Confidencial publishing an article titled “Morata is the captain who has embarrassed Spain, and not just because of their poor performances at the Euros”, calling him a “crybaby”.
Morata’s wife Alice Campello defended him on social media, while manager Luis de la Fuente backed him, telling the Spanish people he was not a typical leader.
“In Spain it is difficult to recognise the good things we have. Morata is a clear example, he has the numbers of a superstar,” said Dela Fuente.
“He may be a legend in other countries, but in our country it’s difficult… I support him 100%.”
Morata has played for several prestigious clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus, but has been unable to find a place to call home for a long time and could leave Atletico this summer.
The striker revealed that life in London was “stressful” and that he only played two seasons in the Premier League before returning to his home country on loan.
Morata admitted he was on the verge of tears at the end of every one of Spain’s matches at the Euros.
“It’s pure emotion. It’s like I’m a fan in the stands,” Morata told UEFA.
“When they replaced me, it was like I was a parent of the players watching from the stands…
“That’s my personality. There’s no shame in crying over positive things. I wish there were more things to cry about on Sundays.”
Although some La Roja fans booed him in a friendly in March and the Spanish press was critical, his team-mates were delighted to see him lead the way.
“Alvaro deserves the best as a person, as a team-mate, as a player and as captain of this national team,” Dani Olmo said on Friday.
The playmaker is joint-leading the Euro scoring charts with three goals, but points out that Morata can still be rated top scorer.
“If Alvaro scores a hat-trick, it will be a success,” Olmo said optimistically.
Often considered unlucky, Morata almost had bad luck after Spain beat France on Tuesday.
During the celebrations, one of the team’s security guards slipped and collided with the striker, who appeared to be injured.
“Just get a yellow card and you’re done,” Morata joked the next day, as he looked set to silence his critics by winning his first major international trophy ahead of the England game.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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