Spain come out on top in a thrilling clash against Croatia

Embed from Getty Images

Unai Simón may have been left believing his failure to control a Pedri back pass in the 20th minute, which trickled agonisingly into the net, would see the end of Spain’s Euro 2020 campaign. No one could’ve predicted what was to follow.

Pedri’s slightly heavy albeit controllable back pass shouldn’t have been a problem for Athletic Bilbao’s shot-stopper.

Whether it was lack of concentration or the sheer noise of the Croatian support that led to Simon allowing the ball to roll under his right foot, it was certainly a nightmare start for Luis Enrique’s side.

Spain and Simón weren’t to be deterred by Croatia’s fortunate lead. Enrique’s team came under criticism early on in the tournament for their lack of potency in front of goal but buoyed by their 5-0 win over Slovakia in the previous round, Spain fought back.

The star of Spain’s 5-0 rampage against Slovakia, Pablo Sarabia, drew his side level in the 38th minute.

Pedri neatly lifted a pass to Ferran Torres, who in turn laid the ball off to Jose Gaya. The left-back’s strike was initially blocked, but Sarabia returned the ball to Gaya, whose second shot deflected into his path as he confidently dispatched the ball to level the scores.

Sarabia has been outstanding in recent games, inspiring the victory over Slovakia.

Ferran Torres was undoubtedly Spain’s best weapon throughout the 90 minutes and created Spain’s second goal.

Receiving the ball on the left wing, Torres sent in an inch-perfect cross, which César Azpilicueta complemented with a dominant header to beat Dominik Livakovic.

Torres’ searing pace and direct running caused Croatia problems on each flank, as the Manchester City forward hopes to impress Pep Guardiola before the new season begins.

Unai Simón may be remembered for his mistake, but he showed great strength of character to save his team at key points during the game.

When Nikola Vlasic slipped in Josko Gvardiol, it looked certain that Croatia would equalise only for Simón’s athletic save to his right, denying Gvardiol the first goal for his country.

Substitute Pau Torres sprayed a pinpoint diagonal pass to Ferran Torres, who burst past Gvardiol and finished calmly, slotting the ball past Livakovic.

Torres celebrated with a kiss of the badge in front of the ecstatic Spanish support to cap off a wonderful display of wing play. The winger was undoubtedly the Man of the Match with an assist and a goal, as well as numerous electric spurts down either wing.

Embed from Getty Images

The 21-year-old attacker moved from boyhood club Valencia to Manchester City in 2020 for a fee of £20.7m, which now looks like a bargain. Torres scored 13 goals in his first season, with a spectacular backheeled flick against Newcastle United the highlight.

Despite a valiant first-half performance, Croatia appeared to be heading out of Euro 2020. Luka Modric and arguably Croatia’s most talented generation seemed to be slipping away.

Many thought Vatreni would struggle due to their ageing squad, but the magic of 2018 was still there.

Zlatko Dalić brought on Mislav Orsic in an inspired substitution.

Orsic, who impressed many with his performances in the Europa League for Dinamo Zagreb, led a stunning comeback with five minutes to go.

Modric caused chaos in the Spanish danger area by driving to the byline and passing the ball into the six-yard box. A scramble was to follow, with Orsic claiming the final touch.

Spain were unhinged by Croatia’s late flurry, and it seemed inevitable that an equaliser would follow.

A move started in their own half saw the ball worked out to Orsic. He cut in on his right foot and sent in a perfect cross which was met by Mario Pašalić with a powerful header.

Embed from Getty Images

The stands were filled with delirious joy by the travelling Croatian support, having waited until added time to see their team snatch a vital equaliser.

Born in Germany, Pašalić spent six years with Chelsea, undertaking five loans before finding a home with Atalanta.

Another 30 minutes was to follow.

Extra time was a tale of redemption for two Spanish players, Unai Simón and Alvaro Morata.

Croatia looked certain to take the lead when Orsic’s clever footwork allowed him to send a cross into the Spanish penalty area, which found Andrej Kramarić. The former Leicester City forward was heroically denied by Simón’s sharp reactions.

Simón had gone from zero to hero in the eyes of his country, showing strong mental strength to recover from his first-half blunder. Had Kramarić scored, Spain may never have recovered.

Morata has been fairly criticised for his questionable finishing at Euro 2020, but the abuse he and his family received on social media was too far.

The Juventus striker’s goal in the 10th minute of extra time will go a long way to silencing his doubters.

Dani Olmo was the architect of the goal, sending an accurate cross to Morata, who skillfully controlled the cross and fired a shot into the roof of Croatia’s net.

Embed from Getty Images

Morata possesses impressive technique, and his link-up play is exceptional, but the ability to miss simple chances often haunts him.

Mikel Oyarzabal killed off any hopes of another Croatian comeback when he dispatched Olmo’s wicked cross three minutes after Morata’s goal.

Spain controlled the rest of the extra time and sealed their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

Luis Enrique’s team showed the resilience and fight needed if Spain are to win yet another European Championship. The brilliant form shown by the likes of Pedri, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Pablo Sarabia will boost Spanish hopes.

However, defensively Spain look fragile, especially with high balls and crosses.

Croatia’s loss surely signals the end of Luka Modric’s illustrious international career, and he will forever be remembered for his performance at the 2018 World Cup.

Football has been criticised for becoming too passive, structured and less entertaining as the game develops, but Spain and Croatia reminded the world that football’s beautiful unpredictability is well and truly alive.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt

[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”42″ heading=”Spain” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”551″ heading=”Croatia” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]