Supporters and neutrals alike were expecting an open-ended game between Spain and Croatia, and they were not disappointed as the Croatians carved out an unlikely yet deserved 2-1 comeback victory.
Vicente Del Bosque’s side started the game comfortably and were rewarded with an early goal after Alvaro Morata tapped in Cesc Fabregas’ cross. David Silva was influential in the move leading to the goal as he took out 3 Croatian defenders with a simple through pass. The Croatians have to rely on counter-attacks due to Spain’s control of possession and they equalised right before half-time thanks to Nikola Kalinic’s graceful back-heeled goal.
The tide was turned in the 2nd half with Croatia looking more energetic as they controlled the tempo of the game. They received a sucker punch in the 70th minute when Spain was rewarded a penalty after a dubious challenge by Sime Vrsaljko against Silva. Sergio Ramos stepped up to the task but he was denied by Danijel Subasic. The match looked like it was heading for a stalemate until Ivan Perisic scored the winning goal to seal a momentous win for the Croatians and send them to the top of Group D.
Here are the 3 most influential players in an entertaining night:
David Silva
La Roja has the luxury of having a plethora of world class midfielders on their disposal, and the Manchester City playmaker stepped up tonight with an influential performance. He was heavily involved in the final third as he distributed pass after pass to his teammates who were in dangerous positions. It was his through ball that enabled Fabregas to notch an assist for their opening goal.
Danijel Subasic
The Croatian keeper hasn’t have much to do especially in the 2nd 45 minutes but he did just enough to earn his side a historic win. Subasic’s biggest contribution was undoubtedly the penalty save from Sergio Ramos, despite him being way off the goal line.
Ivan Perisic
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Croatia playing a quieter game after losing midfield maestro Luka Modric to a muscle injury. The left winger had other plans for the night after he displayed a man of the match performance in his side’s victory with an assist and a goal.
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