Spain pulled off a dramatic win against Croatia in the Euro 2020 on Monday to set up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
Croatia took an early lead in the 20th minute, thanks to Pedro González’s own goal. However, Spain responded quickly as Pablo Sarabia netted an equaliser in the 38th minute off the match. Cesar Azpilicueta made it 2-1 with a fine header in the 57th minute, while Ferran Torres extended the lead to 3-1 in the 76th minute.
However, just when Spain appeared to be cruising to a comfortable win, Croatia bounced back and scored twice in the final few minutes to take the match into an extra time. Substitutes Mislav Orsic and Mario Pasalic scored in the 85th and 92nd minutes to bring the score 3-3.
Spain won 5-3 after 120 minutes of the match as Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal scored to ensure that Croatia were no longer in contention of the match.
With this victory, Morata has silenced his critics, who even issued threats to his family. The Spanish footballer had recently revealed how he received threats on social media after missing several chances during the group stage of the competition including a penalty against Slovakia on Wednesday. Spanish coach Luis Enrique had urged the police to look into threats made to Morata and his family calling it ‘a serious crime.’
Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of Spain’s last 16 game against Croatia on Monday in Copenhagen, “It is so severe that it should be put in the hands of police.’ He added, “Threatening anyone, but especially someone’s family and children, is a serious crime.”
Spain will not face Switzerland in the quarter-final on 2 July. Switzerland had knocked out the tournament’s favourites and World Champions, France, on penalties.
In the last two remaining matches in the round of 16, scheduled for today, England will clash with Germany followed by Sweden locking horns with Ukraine.
