Croatia stunned the European champions and the world as they defeated Spain 2-1 in Bordeaux.
Goals from Kalinic and Perisic cancelled out an early strike from Morata as the Croatians would turn in one of tournaments most outstanding performances to top group D.
It was the Spanish who would open the scoring in the seventh minute. A quick counter attack would lead to a defence splitting pass from David Silva which found the feet of Cesc Fabregas. Under pressure from the oncoming Danijel Subasic the Chelsea man came up with a deft chip into the path of Alvaro Morata who poked in from one yard.
It wasn’t long until Spanish hearts were in their mouths as a mistake from David De Gea led to an opportunity for Ivan Rakitic. Getting his feet in a tangle the Spain goal keeper lost the ball away from his line and an audacious chip from Rakitic looped the custodian but crashed off the bar and failed to cross the line.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
It took until deep in the first half for the Croatian’s to equalise. Smart wing play from Ivan Perisic took him past Juanfran and he delivered a cross for Nikola Kalinic to put passed De Gea for the equaliser.
Constant pressure in the second half from Croatia nearly led to a goal as they had a strong shout for a penalty in the 65th minute.
Not long after and the Spanish had a penalty of their own. A lofted ball over the top was placed into the path of David Silva who went down under contact from Sime Vrsaljko. Sergio Ramos stepped up for the champions but Subasic came up with the save to keep his side level.
The fitness of the Croatians was on display in the 87th minute as a blistering counter attack would lead to the winner. A block on Spain striker Aritz Aduriz would mean a break forward for Croatia. Kalinic ran at the back four of the champions who were back tracking. The forward was ably aided by Perisic who took up the running and then blasted past De Gea to take his side top of Group D and into the knockout stages.
Courage characterises Croatia
Croatia re-wrote the record books with this victory and it was their heart, passion and tireless running that took them passed the champions.
Not to take anything away from the technicality of their game but characteristics that define Croatian mentality was what made the difference.
The heart and soul of the nation, Dario Srna, put in a performance that defied his status as an elder statesman, while Tim Jedvaj and Marko Rog showed their talents on the world stage.
With this win Croatia show that they are no longer dark horses for the title, they are serious contenders.
Tired Iniesta sums up Spanish play
Spain flew out of the gates against Croatia and opened the scoring early. From there it was all La Furia Roja for the majority of the first half hour but post that they struggled.
Andres Iniesta failed to have the same impact that he has had in the two other group games, and while players around him stepped up their game, most notably Fabregas and Silva, without Iniesta at his best Spain struggled.
The midfield maestro looked tired on a hot night in Bordeaux and it appeared as if Vincente Del Bosque’s plan to start with the same XI for all the group games had back fired.
Without their top player in top form the Spanish could not hit top speed, and while plaudits need to go to Croatia for their tireless running a lot of the criticism for Spain’s lacklustre performance sits at the feet of the Barcelona veteran and the champion manager.
All without Modric
Much was made prior to kick off of how Croatia would deal with the loss of their star man Luka Modric. Post the final whistle and the talk should focus on if Modric can break back into this team.
Of course he will, but without Modric they lost nothing and in his absence Rakitic and Perisic took the fight to Spain and overrun the Champions.
CZECH REPUBLIC 0 TURKEY 2
When Modric return’s in the knockout rounds Croatia will again boast one of the best midfields in the competition and will be a danger to any side they face.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
