Croatia pulled off one of the most memorable comebacks in their history after they edged Spain by a 2-1 scoreline in Bordeaux. Sergio Ramos missed a crucial penalty that would see Croatia finish as group winners.
Croatian head coach Ante Cacic played his cards right as his side stunned a star-studded Spanish outfit in Bordeaux. Luka Modric’s absence did not seem to affect the Croats, as they went about their business with occasional hindrances. Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos’ penalty was a controversial moment in the game as the opposition goalkeeper Danijel Subasic came at least three-yards off his line to deny the Real Madrid player.
Here’s a look at the scuffed penalty:
Modric from the bench tells Srna to inform Subasic where Ramos will hit his penalty. Busquets see this & tell Ramos. pic.twitter.com/5tQY8VluKR
— M.A.J (@UItraSuristic) June 21, 2016
This is how the dramatic game played out on social media:
#ENG, #ESP, #ITA, #FRA, #GER ALL in bottom half (8) of draw now. That’s how crucial not winning the group has turned out to be. #Euro2016
— Tom Miller (@likelyladtom) June 21, 2016
Wenger: “Croatia to spring a surprise at Euro 2016 and could beat Spain to top Group D” [5hrs ago]
FT: Croatia 2-1 Spain
Take a bow, Arsene— Arsenal (@tomgunner14) June 21, 2016
Congratulations Croatia ! Party hard guys and sorry for not watching you live. God bless my patients !
— Ilsaaa. (@I_L_S_A) June 21, 2016
Croatia best performing team at #Euro16 so far.
Plus, thanks Turkey.— David Dickinson (@davedicko) June 21, 2016
Well done to Croatia for coming top! Deserve something good with all the protests about government
— Sam (@FIFA_Coutinho) June 21, 2016
#Croatia is no more a surprise! Amazing generation! #Perisic Standing ovation! #Euro2016 @UEFAEURO
— Leonardo (@leo_de_araujo) June 21, 2016
Croatia are the real deal though. Some groups so bad but this had these two in it.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 21, 2016
Croatia providing a lesson tonight many need to learn; play without fear for those whom believe they are not capable will be proven correct.
— john davies (@renegadestyle) June 21, 2016
Imagine Croatia in the next stages, with the injured players coming back in!
— Sahil (@CriminalFIFA) June 21, 2016
Both Pique and Ramos up in Croatia box in open play… Croatia break and Bruno and Jordi Alba as CBs…
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) June 21, 2016
Ivan Perisic: Has scored on his 50th cap for Croatia, netting in 6 of his last 10 appearances for the national team #CROESP
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 21, 2016
Yes!! Brilliant from #Croatia! What a strike! Much deserved. Exciting attacking football wins against boring dull play. #CROESP
— Ali Al Saeed (@alialsaeed) June 21, 2016
Don’t ruin it again, Croatia fans. You’ve got a decent side here.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) June 21, 2016
Croatia must be the first dark horse to fulfill their dark horse credentials in a while.
— Paddy (@VieiraPaddy) June 21, 2016
Perisić is the Croatian Isla. Garbage for Inter, a beast with Croatia.
— Luigi Moreno (@LuigiM94) June 21, 2016
I hope Croatia go all the way. They’ve been great.
— ToddInTheShadows (@ShadowTodd) June 21, 2016
Fans are now all geared up for an intriguing round of 16 clash between defending champions Spain and Group E winners Italy.
The day of Italy-Spain, June 27, it will be exactly 10 YEARS since the last goal conceded by Spain in a knock-out stage – Zinedine Zidane
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) June 21, 2016
Italy vs Spain ? Need a bit of revenge for the Euro 2012 final.
— Wicky (@Wicknes007) June 21, 2016
I hope Italy allow Spain 75% of possession, defend for 89 minutes, and win 1-0 with their only shot on target. Just to annoy everyone. #ITA
— Gaby McKay (@GabyMcKay) June 21, 2016
Route to final for Spain had been [maybe] Slovakia, Poland/ Swiss, Belgium / Wales/Portugal to final. Now prob Italy, Germany & France…
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) June 21, 2016
5840 – It has been 5840 days since Spain last conceded more than one goal in a game at the Euros (1-2 vs France in 2000). History.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 21, 2016
And Spain’s complacency has potentially done their entire tournament. That is a horrific run to the final.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 21, 2016
Fabregas & Iniesta both taken pens for Spain before. Aduriz takes em for Athletic, Nolito has taken pens for Celta. But Ramos is captain..
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) June 21, 2016
4 – Spain have now failed to score four of their last seven penalties at the Euros (excl. shoot-outs). Nerves.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 21, 2016