Spain beat Croatia after extra-time in eight-goal thriller as Morata and Oyarzabal emerge as heroes

Spain beat Croatia after extra-time in eight-goal thriller to reach Euro 2020 quarter-finals as Morata and Oyarzabal emerge as heroes

Spain have advanced to their first major tournament quarter-final since 2012, overcoming a thrilling late Croatia comeback to win 5-3 in extra time — the second-highest scoring game in European Championship history.

Unai Simón could not control Pedri's long-distance back pass, and Croatia took the lead against the run of play and in a unique manner. 

Luis Enrique's team drew level just before the break, with Pablo Sarabia converting a rebound after Dominik Livaković had parried José Gayà's effort.

With just 13 minutes remaining, César Azpilicueta headed in his first international goal and Ferran Torres finished low past Dominik Livaković to increase Spain's lead. 

But that was only the beginning.

Mislav Oršić reduced the deficit for Croatia, but it took extra time for Mario Pašalić to complete the comeback, meeting a perfect cross from the left with a thunderous header. 

Let the chaos begin.

Croatia almost made it 4-3 just six minutes into extra time but Unai Simón saved Andrej Kramarić's effort — a moment of atonement that proved pivotal.

Álvaro Morata was next to turn his fortunes round when, with 100 minutes on the clock, he brought down Dani Olmo's cross brilliantly and rifled into the net. 

Mikel Oyarzabal then restored a two-goal cushion that felt like it had been lost for a long time.

Man of the Match: Sergio Busquets (Spain)

🌟 Spain captain Sergio Busquets is rewarded for his commanding midfield display against Croatia 👏

🤔 Did you predict that? @Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/l3l9CVHPRB

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 28, 2021

What the players and managers said

Sergio Busquets, Spain captain: "To get to the quarter-finals is an indication that we're a good team. We were very good today, very intense, well prepared and we beat a very, very difficult rival. We are growing throughout the tournament."

César Azpilicueta, Spain defender: "Boy, we had to suffer there. It's been a few tournaments since we got through a knockout match. But today we 'broke the ice' against the World Cup runners-up."

Mislav Oršić, Croatia winger: "First, I would like to thank the fans – it was a pleasure to play in front of them. We fought until the very end, but they scored from almost every chance and deservedly won."

Luka Modrić, Croatia captain: "At the start of extra time we had them on the ropes but we failed to score from two good chances. Then the game turned around and we didn’t have the strength to come back."

Croatia 3-5 Spain (aet): Watch the full match highlights