Spain beat Croatia 5-3 in the round of 16 match of Euro 2020 (Euro 2021) at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark, Monday (28/6).
Spain’s efforts to pound the Croatian defense at the beginning of the first half did not produce results. Instead, the Spanish goal collapsed due to Unai Simon’s mistake, who was unable to hold the ball back pass sent by Pedri in the 20th minute.
After trailing 0-1, Spain could only equalize in the 38th minute through Pablo Sarabia who took advantage of Jose Gaya’s rebound.
La Furia Roja took the lead in the 57th minute after Cesar Azpilicueta headed in Ferran Torres’ cross.
Spain widened the advantage through the action of Ferran Torres. Getting a long pass from Pau Torres, Ferran Torres then passed Duje Caleta-Car and scored in the 76th minute.
Five minutes before normal time was over, Orsic resolved the chaos in front of the Spanish goal. Even though the goal net didn’t vibrate, the goal line technology sensor on the referee’s watch said the goal was legal.
In the second minute of injury time, Croatia equalized through Mario Articleic who headed Orsic’s pass.
Continuation of the match in the extra round was fierce. Croatia had chances through Orsic, Articleic and Kramaric on two different occasions.
Collecting two opportunities by playing open, Croatia again left behind. In the 100th minute, Alvaro Morata finished off Dani Olmo’s pass, capitalizing on Brekalo’s error who couldn’t block the ball.
Three minutes later Spain scored again. Again Olmo, who is on the left, sent a mature pass into the middle corridor which this time was completed by Mikel Oyarzabal.
Croatia again started the second half of extra time with a golden opportunity. Ante Budimir’s kick only ended in a corner kick.
Spain also had time to create opportunities through Morata and Olmo, but no more goals were created. Score 5-3 ensure Spain to the quarter-finals.
Croatia vs Spain starting line-up:
Croatia:
Dominik Livakovic; Josip Juranovic, Domagoj Vida, Duje Caleta-Car, Josko Gvardiol; Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic; Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic, Ante Rebic
Spanish:
Unai Simon; Cesar Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte, Jose Gaya; Koke, Sergio Busquets, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Alvaro Morata, Pablo Sarabia
