Spain have answered their critics in style with a thumping 5-0 win against Slovakia in their latest encounter. However, the contest this evening at Copenhagen was not supposed to be a straightforward one against Croatia. Unai Simon’s bizarre own goal earned the Croats a surprise lead against the run, but the Spaniards regrouped themselves and scripted a comeback. They made it 3-1 at one point only to concede twice in the closing moments to finish 3-3 at full time.
The late masterclass from Croatia went in vain though as La Roja fired in two quick goals in extra time to knock the Blazers out of the competition.
Below are the Spanish players rated in their thrilling 5-3 win against Croatia.
Unai Simon: 7
The Basque custodian made a howler while dealing with Pedri’s backpass from the middle of the park. It was tough to recover from the shocker, yet he showcased immense maturity and composure to frustrate the Croatians on a number of occasions. Could have done little to save either of the two late goals, but his extra time masterclass stopped Andrej Kramaric from making it 3-4 moments before successive Spain goals.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6.5
Retained his place as a right fullback. Struggled defensively late in the game when the opponents kept on creating chances from his end, however, the Chelsea skipper made the difference already when he headed home from Ferran Torres’ cross to make it 2-1. Denied Kramaric off the line in the closing minutes, but the strike from super-sub Mislav Orsic crossed it as revealed by the goal-line technology. His lack of pace allowed Orsic to whip in a cross which was eventually headed home by Mario Pasalic in injury time.
Eric Garcia: 7.5
Looked confident with the ball at his feet and played it out from the back maintaining 96% passing accuracy. Made some key recoveries and inceptions before leaving the pitch for Pau Torres midway through the second half.
Aymeric Laporte: 6
Was in the right place at the right time as the experience of playing alongside Garcia at Manchester City helped the pair keep things calm. A late catastrophe left him stunned when the galvanized Kockasti staged an incredible comeback.
Jose Gaya: 7.5
Was handed a surprise start in place of Jordi Alba. The Valencia left-back had a decent game as he not only balanced his game between attack and defence but also played his part in Sarabia’s early equalizer. Was taken off moments after Torres’ composed finish.
Koke: 7.5
Could not beat Dominik Livakovic one-on-one early into the game. Dominated the midfield game as he kept on winning duels against the likes of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. Was strong with his tackles and successful with the dribbling attempts. Made way for Fabian seconds after Torres’ strike that made it 3-1 in favour of Spain.
Sergio Busquets: 7
Orchestrated the game from his deep-lying midfield role. Had plenty of touches as he kept on switching it across the pitch. Made way for Rodri around the 103-minute mark.
Pedri: 7.5
Was unlucky when Simon made a mess of his backpass to gift Croatia an early lead. But the 18-year-old proved his worth once more with yet another stellar display. He is growing in confidence and his enormous work rate helped Spain to keep things calm under pressure time and again.
Ferran Torres: 8.5
Set it up for Azpilicueta with a pinpoint cross before making it 3-1 with a stunning finish after picking up Pau Torres’ cross. Was taken off late in the second half, minutes before Pasalic’s injury-time equalizer. Mikel Oyarzabal was introduced who eventually put the last nail in Croatia’s coffin.
Pablo Sarabia: 8
Justified his place as he found the net once again after the Slovakia game. Had a couple of attempts off target but made an overall impact before leaving the pitch for Dani Olmo midway through the second half.
Alvaro Morata: 8
Has been heavily criticized for his wastefulness, but he silenced his critics this evening with the most crucial goal of his career. His stunning volley restored the lead five minutes into the extra time.
Spain Substitutes Vs Croatia
Dani Olmo: 8
Made the difference in the extra time as he set up both Morata and Oyarzabal’s goals. Could have had his own, but his strike got denied by the woodwork moments before the final whistle.
Pau Torres: 5.5
Assisted Ferran Torres with an outstanding cross, but his frailty and lack of communication with Laporte allowed Croatia to script an unforeseen comeback.
Jordi Alba: 6.5
Used his experience to defend the lead, particularly in the extra time.
Fabian: 7.5
Injected fresh legs in the centre of the pitch.
Mikel Oyarzabal: 8
Looked purposeful since coming on and made his mark with an impressive goal to shatter the Croatian dreams.
