The strongest team in Group D of the European Championship was revealed. It became the Croatian national team, after defeating the Spaniards 2:1 in a tough battle, who remained second and will play against the Italians in the quarterfinals.
The Spaniards started to dominate from the very beginning of the meeting and quickly scored a goal.
D.Silva made a fantastic pass to C.Fabregas in the penalty area, who then headed towards the goal and A.Morata easily scored his third goal in the tournament.
A few moments later, D.Silva found Nolito in the penalty area and the latter's header was off target.
The Croats tried to respond with rare attacks and one of them almost ended in a goal. Čačić's players took the ball from D.De Gea and I.Rakitić's sneaky shot almost crossed the goal line.
In the 22nd minute, D.Silva tested Subašić's alertness and the goalkeeper played uncertainly, failing to catch the ball.
In the 38th minute, I.Perišić tried to direct the ball towards the goal from a difficult situation.
Eventually, the Croats achieved their goal and "gifted" their opponents a goal "in a gift box". I.Perišić deceived two Spanish defenders on the edge of the penalty area, passed the ball to Kalinić inside the penalty area, and he coolly left no chance for D.De Gea - 1:1.
In the 53rd minute, A.Morata had a chance, but failed to accurately finish J.Alba's pass.
The Croats did not stay behind and once again the Spanish goalkeeper D.Gea failed to clear the ball, allowing Pjaca to try his luck by shooting over himself.
In the 62nd minute, Čačić's players started protesting the referee's decision not to award a penalty kick - cleverly deceiving several defenders, Pjaca fell in the penalty area as if shot. After a couple of minutes, S.Ramos threatened the opponents' defense, but lacked accuracy after a corner kick.
In the 70th minute, the referee made a controversial decision to award a penalty kick to Croatia for a foul on D.Silva. Subašić, after receiving advice from D.Srna, seemed to have used them and saved S.Ramos's shot.
If you don't score - they will score against you. The Croats launched a lightning attack and maybe the best player of the match I.Perišić outplayed D.De Gea - 2:1. The Spaniards had a chance in the last second, but D.Silva was blocked by defenders.
Starting lineups:
Croatia: Subašić, Vrsaljko, Perišić, Corluka, Jedvaj, Rakitić, Srna, Rog, Kalinić, Dadelj, Pjaca
Spain: De Gea, Juanfran, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva, Nolito, Morata
#EURO2016 last 16 as it stands
France
Switzerland
Wales
England
Slovakia
Germany
Poland
Spain
Croatia
Italy
Hungary
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 21, 2016
