Parken Stadium was the place where Spain played against Croatia in the Euro 2020’s Round of 16. We have tonight’s player ratings.
What a wild ride we just witnessed between Spain and Croatia for the Euro 2020’s Round of 16, it was an absolute thriller at Parken Stadium. To start, the game gave Croatia the lead after a horrible mistake from Unai Simon after Pedri passed the ball to him. An own goal against Spain that jump started an exciting match. Spain was playing outstanding football throughout the entire first half but they didn’t find the back of the net until later. Pablo Sarabia scored the equalizer with five minutes left in the first half.
Ferran Torres’ impact in the game came until the second half. He served the ball for Cesar Azpilicueta’s goal only 12 minutes into the second half of the game. With fifteen minutes left on the clock, Torres stole the ball from a Croatian defender to score his side’s third goal. It all seemed settled for Spain but Croatia’s substitutions still had something to say. The last five minutes of this game were absolutely mental for both sides as Croatia managed to get back in the game. Goal-line technology gave Orsic the second goal for his side and Pasalic scored a thrilling equalizer. We had extra time at Parken this evening.
Morata and Simon redeem themselves.
When the first extra-time started, Unai Simon redeemed himself with a brilliant save that would be crucial for Spain. Minutes later, Alvaro Morata scored a beautiful volley that gave Spain the 4-3 advantage. As he celebrated, you could see he felt a huge weight take off his shoulders. Filled with confidence, Morata was loose and ready to keep helping his side. He was the one who started the play in Spain’s fifth goal. Mikel Oyarzabal scored after a precise cross from Dani Olmo.
That was apparently more than enough for Spain to get the victory but Croatia refused to give up. During the second extra time, Modric and his teammates still created a handful of dangerous chances that made them a worthy opponent for any team in this tournament. In the final minutes, Spain gained more control of the ball and didn’t struggle much to protect the result. They are through to the quarterfinals to meet either France or Switzerland, who will clash in just a few minutes.
Player ratings
Croatia: Livakovic (6), Vida (7), Caleta-Car (5), Juranovic (5), Gvardiol (6), Modric (7), Brozovic (6), Kovacic (6), Vlasic (5), Rebic (6), Petkovic (5).
Bench: Kramaric (6), Orsic (7), Brekalo (6), Pasalic (6), Budimir (6).
Spain: Simon (4), Azpilicueta (7), Laporte (7), Garcia (7), Gaya (7), Busquets (7), Koke (7), Pedri (8), Sarabia (7), Torres (8), Morata (8).
Bench: P. Torres (6), Olmo (8), Alba (6), Fabian (6), Oyarzabal (7), Rodri (7).
Feel free to make your pick on player’s ratings and performances in the widget below.
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