Subašić saves penalty
Croatia's late twist to beat Spain and top the group!
21.06.2016.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
In its final UEFA EURO 2016 Group D match, with the second round berth secured, Croatia faced the reigning European champions Spain and celebrated a memorable win.
CROATIA - SPAIN 2:1 (1:1)
UEFA EURO 2016, Group D.
Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux.
Referee: B. Kuipers (Netherlands)
Goals: 0:1 - Morata (7'), 1:1 - N. Kalinić (45'), 2:1 - Perišić (87')
Cautions: Rog (29'), Vrsaljko (70'), Srna (70'), Perišić (88')
Croatia: Subašić, Vrsaljko, Ćorluka, Jedvaj, Srna, Badelj, Rog (82' Kovačić), Perišić (90+4' Kramarić), Rakitić, Pjaca (90+2' Čop), N. Kalinić. Head coach: A. Čačić.
Spain: De Gea, Alba, Pique, Ramos, Juanfran, Fabregas (od 84' Thiago), Iniesta, Busquets, Nolito (od 60' Soriano), Silva, Morata (od 67' Aduriz). Head coach: V. del Bosque.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In the battle for the top spot of the UEFA EURO 2016 Group D, Croatia was playing defending champions Spain in Bordeaux without the injured duo Modrić and Mandžukić, and came back from a goal down - including a saved penalty - to pip the opponent.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Spain took the lead after just seven minutes, when Morata provided the finish following his teammates' combination.
Even though Croatia's defence was put to a real test on a couple of occasions, the Vatreni were dangerous in attack, starting with a Nikola Kalinić effort from distance and an excellent Ivan Rakitić chip that struck both the bar and the post before stopping at the goal-line.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Subašić then had to hold an David Silva effort, Nolito shot just wide, and Spaniard had several quality crosses into Croatian box. However, Croatia managed to equalize at the very end of the first half, when Perišić crossed from the left, and N. Kalinić reacted beautifully to put the ball past De Gea.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
The second half also brought action on the both sides of the pitch. Pjaca tried with an overhead kick, Ramos' header was inches close, and Spain was awarded a penalty in 70th minute. Danijel Subašić then emerged as the Croatia hero saving Ramos' effort.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Three minutes before time, Ante Čačić's men scored the winning goal, courtesy of Perišić's counterattack finishing, sparking Croatian victorious celebrations on and off the pitch.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
On 25 June, Croatia will play its Round of 16 match in Lens, against one of the third-placed teams.
#CRO is top of the @UEFAEURO Group D!#BeProud #CROESP #EURO2016 #RedWhiteBlue pic.twitter.com/zAeJacIfDk
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) June 21, 2016
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