Spain beat Croatia by 5-3 in a thrilling encounter in the Euro 2020 round of 16 stage at Parken Stadium.
Pedri’s own goal opened the deadlock of the match. But, Pablo Sarabia equalized soon later in the match. Cesar Azpilicueta and Ferran Torres gave two goals lead in the second half.
But, substitute Mislav Orsic and Mario Pasalic’s late goals took the game to extra time. In the extra time, Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyerzabal sealed the victory for Luis Enrique’s side.
Croatia 3-5 Spain team news:
Zlatko Dalic went with 4-3-3 formation and Dominick Livakovic started in goal. The talented midfield three of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic were given the responsibility to dictate the pace of the game. Ante Rebic replaced Ivan Perisic who tested positive for Coronavirus.
Luis Enrique also chose to go with 4-3-3 formation and made two changes from the previous game against Slovakia. José Luis Gaya started on the left-back ahead of Jordi Alba and Ferran Torres was in the starting eleven in place of Gerard Moreno. Alvaro Morata led the line for La Furia Roja.
Croatia 3-5 Spain Post-match analysis
Spain dominated the possession and also had better chances. Morata and Koke had two glorious opportunities to break the deadlock.
But, La Furia Roja trailed by a bizarre own goal by Pedri. The Barcelona youngster’s back pass went straight into the back of the net after Unai Simon failed to control the pass.
However, Enrique’s side did not have to wait long to equalise the game. José Luis Gaya’s fierce shot fell nicely on the feet of Pablo Sarabia after Livakovic saved it initially, and the PSG man’s shot went in the net beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
Spain found the leading goal early in the season half. Ferran Torres’ great cross found Cesar Azpilicueta in the box and the Chelsea man made no mistake.
Enrique’s side earned the two goals lead after Croatia caught out in position from Aymeric Laport’s long ball and Torres made no mistake to finish it off.
The drama started late into the game. Croatia scored one back with five minutes remaining on the clock and in the additional time, Mario Pasalic equalized the game and took the game into the extra time.
Spain scored two quick-fire goals in the first half of the extra time from Morata and Mikel Oyerzabal and took the game out of Croatia’ hands.
Notable Performances:
Ferran Torres: The Manchester City man had a great afternoon in Copenhagen. Provided a great cross for the second goal and also scored the third goal.
Mislav Orsic: Appeared on the stage for uninspiring Ante Rebic and changed the game completely. Scored the second goal and produced a pinpoint cross for the third goal.
Alvaro Morata: Missed two glorious chances, but scored an absolutely stunning goal off his left foot in extra time.
Spain will encounter Switzerland in the quarterfinal of Euro 2020.
