After flattering to deceive for much of the group stages, Spain took on Croatia in Copenhagen in the last 16 of the Euros aiming to win a record fourth title.
The Spaniards began well, bossing possession for much of the first half and created chances that went begging. Koke should've put Luis Enrique's men in front when he found himself one-on-one with Croatia goalkeeper who did well to save. It was the Croats who took the lead midway through the first half when an innocuous back pass from the peerless Pedri led to an own goal. Spanish goalkeeper, Unai Simon, failed to control the ball as it went above his boot and into the back of the net. That goal seemed to take the wind out of the Spaniard's sails and they looked lost until a ray of hope was presented to them by Pablo Sarabia. 1-1 with a few minutes left to play in the opening half. Spain woke up from their ruins and laid siege on the Croatian goal.
In 57 minutes, César Azpilicueta headed Spain in front for the first time in the match. He headed home from a Ferran Torres cross. Substitutions followed from Enrique and this seemed to lower the intensity of the match. Torres made it 3-1 with a quarter of an hour to go. Spain coasting to victory you'd think? Far from it.
Mislav Orsíc made pulled a goal back on 85 to serve up a tense finish. At this time Spain was happy to sit back and allow time to roll by but Croatia had other ideas. The fourth official gave us six massive minutes to enjoy this spectacle of a match and it didn't disappoint. With three minutes of the six added to go, Croatia scored through Mario Pasalic! 3-3! Extra time!
You'd be forgiven if you thought the game would become cagey in extra time in readiness for penalties. Spain had other ideas! First Alvaro Morata scored a beautiful goal off a Dani Olmo pass after 100 minutes before Mikel Oyarzabal made it 5-3 just three minutes later.
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Try as they may to get back into the contest, Croatia couldn't. In fact, it was Spain that almost scored but Olmo hit the foot of the upright. After 120 minutes of an enthralling encounter, Spain progress to the quarters where they'd meet either France or Switzerland.