Questioned Morata became Spain’s savior

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He has been questioned throughout the European Football Championship. But when Spain lost 3-1 to 3-3 and extra time in the round of 16 against Croatia saved Álvaro Morata his country. in Copenhagen.

Despite a meager setback, Spain looked to have a clear grip on the ticket to Friday’s quarterfinals in St. Petersburg against the winner between France and Switzerland, which is played tonight.

Spain recovered from the 0-1 deficit and led 3-1 with 13 minutes left to play regular time at the Park in Copenhagen.

Then Croatia woke up. First, Mislav Orsić equalized in the 85th minute and two minutes into extra time, Mario Pasalić nodded in the last 16 to extra time.

Morata decided

Once there, it was a questionable Álvaro Morata who stepped forward. The Juventus striker has gained the confidence of national team captain Luis Enrique throughout the European Football Championship – despite the fact that Morata was only responsible for one goal and burned a penalty during the three group games.

Ten minutes into extra time, he received a ball in the far part of the penalty area and thundered into the net 4-3 behind Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.

Three minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal was also able to send in 5-3 and that quarter-final ticket was finally secured.

The question is whether the Spanish advancement appeals to the critics? Spain was questioned during the group stage after two straight flat matches against Sweden (0-0) and Poland (1-1). It was only the 5-0 ice break against Slovakia in the group final that gave a second place after the group winner Sweden.

Once in Copenhagen, Spain got off to a nightmare start against Croatia. In the 20th minute, goalkeeper Unai Simón let in a home pass from 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Pedri.

It was neither logical nor fair. Croatia – who missed covid-sick Ivan Perisic – did not have a single shot on goal during the first half.

Spain dominated

Spain, which before that dominated, would, however, turn the match around and look to have a pleasant journey towards a quarter-final.

+ In the 38th minute, Pablo Sarabia equalized after several Spanish chances in the Croatian penalty area.

+ Barely a quarter into the second half, right-back César Azpilicueta put 2-1 when he nodded in Ferran Torres fine post.

+ And in the 77th minute, Ferran Torres was able to extend to 3-1 after Croatia answered for the second board of the match. Two Croatian defenders were drinking water when the game started and Torres got giant surfaces on the right edge.

However, Croatia came back in the match and Spain collapsed, but it was not enough for more than 3-3 and an extra time.

The Croatians have finished playing in this year’s European Championships – Spain gets a new chance on Friday to deliver a more solid effort.

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