Match Review: Spain vs Croatia

EURO 2020: SPAIN BEAT RELUCTANT CROATIA IN EXTRA TIME

Copenhagen: The Euro 2020 Round of 16 had witnessed many quality matches but this one particularly stood out. Parken Stadium was all set to host Spain and Croatia, two of the best teams in Europe according to the talent pool they possess. Croatia's golden generation on one hand playing possibly their last European Championship and on the other hand Spain's new generation trying to replicate the success of their predecessors. 

Croatia took the lead in their 2020 UEFA European Championship round of 16 clash with Spain through a comical Unai Simon own goal at Parken in Copenhagen, Denmark. What had happened, in short, was this: Croatia went 1-0 up, Pedri’s back pass somehow slipping past Simón’s right boot and into the goal, a moment so unexpected some Spain players didn’t even see it but they heard it, their sights trained up the pitch. Spain then imposed a clear superiority that should have seen them lead already and was eventually expressed when Pablo Sarabia equalised just before half time, Azpilicueta headed Spain in front and Ferrán Torres added a third to end it on 77 minutes.

Except that Croatia refused to let it end there; this is not the team it was in Russia, but nor is it a team that gives up. There is character there, and no little quality. And so, somehow, they found they way into this, a wonderful Luka Modric run culminating in the ball being bundled just over the line by Orsic on 85. A late substitute, Orsic then delivered a gorgeous cross from which Mario Pasalic headed in a dramatic equaliser on 92 minutes, this place erupting. Spain appeared denied once again, unable to fathom what was happening to them. 

Only, at that moment – when, with the clock on 99 minutes, Álvaro Morata of all people brought the ball down with his right foot and smashed a sensational shot into the net with his left to send beer flying through the air and teammates and staff sprinting off the bench running in ever increasing circles of delirium – no one in this place would allow themselves to believe it was really over.

After all this drama, one final blow was delivered by Oyazarbal making it 5-3 for Luis Enrique's men. Spain deserved the win and they are through to the Quaterfinals to face Switzerland who delivered their own miracle against reigning World Champions France in Bucharest.