what is a glorious night for football perfect playing conditions I'm Derek Ray and keeping me company here on the commentary Gantry is Stuart Robson and it's match day one in the 2024 UEFA European Championship it's Serbia and they take on Spain well you have to be consistent in these group games you can't afford to have an off dat otherwise you're out the running before you know it anticipating a really good game though Derek hope we're not disappointed well it's a 12th European championship appearance for Spain winners in 1964 2008 and 2012 you've got to say Stuart it's a tricky looking group for them Croatia Italy and Albania but their talent level is high it certainly is Spain have got some great young players but the problem they've had in previous tournaments is do they play with enough penetration yes they keep possession yes they like to have the ball but you have to penetrate when you get into the right sort of areas and that's been the problem for Spain recently I think they're going to get through this group can they go all the way probably not superb defensive judgment to end the attack [Applause] Movic Mel Marino galdo with it and a lot to like about this attack really fine play to keep possession fluency of movement strength and control a big part of his game [Applause] Rodi and he stopped them in their tracks milinkovic Savage it's with Miku mourino Oya Sabal it's with [Applause] laot can they create something from here morasa Marino call is loose well threat over for now well you sense it's just a matter of time before they do score Derek they've been piling on the pressure now and really should be aheading this one well attacks are plenty but now defensive resilience is what's called for zovich opportunity to deliver the cross Movic a poor cross All Things Considered and the referee sees that as a foul free kick given Mikel mourino and with that the first half draws to a close and so the second half gets underway almost a case of the two teams saying to each other whatever you can do I can do just as well moving the ball nicely but can they Forge [Applause] ahead Morata nicely cut out continues this run but nothing comes of it can they hit on the [Applause] break Marino can he get them in front and the Keeper's technical skills there for all to see well from that close in that's a really good save such good reflexes [Applause] short Corner favor Miguel mourino genuine chance can they slot it home well they can keep possession of it now namman maximovich Alexander mitrovic zovic and space for him to cut in milinkovic Savage Palms Away by The Keeper well you have to think they're going to take the lead at some point cuz they're really looking dangerous at the moment well pushing again for a goal looking full of purpose and a fine stop manager deciding this is the time to change things around both teams going to the bench and over it comes oh Splendid header but a fine [Applause] save Gabby and Torres on the ball nicely timed [Applause] tackle well here they are on the attack can they go on and win the game L score oh a goal and is that going to be the one that wins it for them there's every chance and the fans are laughing this up well as you can see the weight of the through ball is key to this goal but there's still plenty to do from here he hits it so well though lots of pace lots of power and the keeper just can't react in time it's a great strike well just look at his reaction that could prove to be a massive goal for his team what a big moment in the dying Embers will it prove decisive here and so into the final five minutes so J babage well they're attacking but time is the great enemy he brings it down but what to do a goal she excitement level again here well here's the replay and it's a really inviting ball played into the box begging players to attack it but you have to question the defendant here they don't attack the ball when it comes in they don't react quickly enough to close the scorer down it's really poor defending so back underway following The Equalizer and with that the referee brings this contest to an end all square here in what was a thoroughly compelling game Stuart your analysis well it could have gone either way I think both teams are very positive though Going Hammer and tongs from the very start and I think the draw is probably the fair result and then the final analysis A really positive performance from this man steart well it was a good comeback and he played a big part in that he just kept plugging away and in the end he got his reward with the equalizer