Spain vs Croatia - Tactical Report

Spain went in with the same team that defeated Turkey. Croatia made five changes to the team that drew against Czech Republic. It seemed as if the coach wanted to settle for the second position.

Croatia stunned Spain 2-1 in the final Group D clash and ensured its passage to the next round as group winner.

Spain went in with the same team that defeated Turkey. Croatia made five changes to the team that drew against Czech Republic. It seemed as if the coach wanted to settle for the second position.

But in the most entertaining match of the tournament so far, both the teams went for the victory right from kick off. Spain took an early lead, another spectacular move which was rounded up by Morata. David Silva’s pass cut out three Croatian defenders and found Fabregas, who squared it to Morata and he scored in an empty net.

But Croatia almost capitalised on mistakes from the Spanish defence, Ramos was the guilty party when he gifted the ball to Kalinic whose shot was saved by De Gea. Then, De Gea’s attempted pass found Rakitic whose shot hit the bar and was cleared off the line.

Rakitic was the driving force for Croatia as the team started to look more dangerous before eventually equalising on the stroke of half-time. Kalinic got at the end of the cross from Perisic and flicked it past De Gea. It was nothing more than what Croatia deserved.

Spain then got a penalty in the 70th minute when David Silva was fouled inside the box but Sergio Ramos missed the spot kick.

He was left to regret that, as Perisic scored a late winner for Croatia. The move started with a block at the edge of Croatia’s box, with Perisic picking up the loose ball and running down the left flank before cutting in and shooting, the shot took a slight delfection but beat De Gea at his near post.

Defeat for Spain sets up a mouth watering clash as it will face Italy in the Round of 16.