Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Euro 2020: Spain outlast Croatia in eight-goal thriller to reach quarters

Last updated on: June 29, 2021 00:40 IST

Spain celebrated a first knockout win in a major tournament since winning Euro 2012

Alvaro Morata

IMAGE: Spain’s Alvaro Morata celebrates after scoring their side's fourth goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match against Croatia. Photograph: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Spain striker Alvaro Morata enjoyed sweet redemption by helping fire his side to a 5-3 win over Croatia after extra time on Monday to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 in an enthralling match laced with drama and storylines.

 

Croatia

IMAGE: Croatia’s Mario Pasalic scores their side's third goal. Photograph: Friedemann Vogel - Pool/Getty Images

Spain fell behind in the first half to a Pedri own goal from near the halfway line after an incredible error from keeper Unai Simon but they looked on their way to a comfortable victory with goals from Pablo Sarabia, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ferran Torres.

Yet Croatia staged an unthinkable comeback with goals from Mislav Orsic in the 85th minute and a Mario Pasalic header in added time to force the extra period.

Spain

IMAGE: Spain’s Cesar Azpilicueta celebrates after scoring their side's second goal. Photograph: Wolfgang Rattay - Pool/Getty Images

Spain showed tremendous character though and prevailed thanks to Morata's superb strike in the 100th minute and a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 103rd.

Spain celebrated a first knockout win in a major tournament since winning Euro 2012 to set up a quarter-final against France or Switzerland in St Petersburg on Friday.

Croatia head home with their heads held high but are still waiting to win a knockout game at a Euros.

Morata has been the centre of attention of Spain's campaign amid inconsistent performances and criticism from his own supporters, which took an ugly turn during last week's 5-0 win over Slovakia.

His wife and children were threatened by supporters in Seville and he complained of facing death threats before the game, prompting coach Luis Enrique to urge police action.

Spain

IMAGE: Spain’s Pablo Sarabia scores. Photograph: Friedemann Vogel - Pool/Getty Images

Morata has been accused of having a fragile disposition but showed real leadership when Spain's confidence was on the floor, controlling a Dani Olmo cross with one foot before blasting into the roof of the net.

His team mate Simon also compensated for his first-half howler, making a superb save to thwart Andrej Kramaric early in extra-time.

Mikel Oyarzabal

IMAGE: Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates scoring their fifth goal with Alvaro Morata. Photograph: Friedemann Vogel/Reuters

Substitute Oyarzabal struck moments later to increase Spain's lead and this time Croatia had no response.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.