Mouthwatering challenge awaits in UEFA Euro eight-to-final Round. 2012 final Déjà Vu will take place in Paris next Monday the 27th as big-guns Spain and Italy meet again after the last-gap defeat suffered against Croatia. That means La Roja finish second placed in Group D photo finish.
Holders started in good mood with an early strike from Morata after an amazing passing display by Silva, Cesc and Morata on the right side of the box. Then Spain were on the driving site although Croatians showed it won’t be easy as a Rakitic’s volley hit the crossbar.
Before the break it came the equaliser trough a Kalinic right-footed strike. On the second half things could change again for Spain after Silva was brought down in the box but keeper Subasic stopped the drive from Sergio Ramos. In minute 87’ Croatians finally got the lead from a quick counterattack finished by Perisic.
Today Spain started with the same team that beat Turkey in Nice (3-0). The Spaniards got off to the perfect start and took the lead pretty quickly. David Silva was the creator allowing Álvaro Morata to tap home. The Madrid-born player put Spain ahead in the 7th minute after a superb pass by midfielder Cesc Fabregas. But the party did not last long. Croatia equalised through Nikola Kalinic just before half-time. Morata almost made it 2-1 but his effort was inches away from going in the top corner.
The second half commenced with a change for Spain, as Nolito replaced Bruno Soriano.
Del Bosque’s side had a chance to retake the lead, but defender Sergio Ramos saw his spot kick saved by Croatia goalie Subasic in the 72nd minute. (Spain captain had another header in the 67th minute after a corner, but he didn’t hit the target).
Ivan Perisic’s late winner pushed Spain into second place in Group D. The team led by Vicente del Bosque will now play Antonio Conte’s men in the round of 16.
- Match stats:
Croatia: Subasic, Srna (c), Corluka, Jedvaj, Vrsaljko, Rog (Kovavic, 81’), Badelj, Rakitic, Perisic, Pjaca (Manzukic, 90’), Kalnic (Cop, 90)
Spain: De Gea, Juanfran, Piqué, Ramos, Alba, Busquets, Cesc (Thiago, 81’), Iniesta, Silva, Morata (Aduriz, 65’) y Nolito (Bruno, 61’)
Goals: 0-1, Morata (6’), 1-1, Kalinic (44’); 2-1, Perisic (87’)
Bookings: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands). Rog (28’), Srna (70’), Vrsalijko (70’), Perisic (88’)
Stade de Bordeaux, attendance 40.000
- Match report by pedro17.com / sefutbol.com
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