If you are not a member yet, you can sign up here

News Archive

Euro 2012 group stage

Spain 1 - Croatia 0

A late goal by substitute Jesús Navas ensured Spain top spot in their group and a place in the quarter finals. Del Bosque's side came in to their last group game needing only a point against Croatia to go through to the knock-out stage, and with a scoreline of 2-2 or higher, a draw would also take the East Europeans through. The goals did not come though as neither side were able to break down their opponents' solid defence, and Spain's only chances in the first half were a couple of long shots which Pletikosa had no problems keeping out. Casillas did have a bit more work than his opposite number, the Real Madrid keeper saving from Pranjic before the break, and then beating away a header from Rakitic when he got behind the Spanish defence soon after the restart. With Italy beating Ireland in the other group game, a scoreless draw was no use for Croatia, and it also meant that Spain would end in second spot behind the Italians. Del Bosque seemed to settle for that though when took off Fernando Torres, his only orthodox forward, to bring on Jesús Navas, whereas Bilic strengthened his attack with Jelavic. But that left gaps at the back of the Croatian defence, and Pletikosa had to save from Iniesta and Navas as Croatia threw caution to the wind. With four minutes to go Corluka headed over from a corner, Busquets lucky to be let off a penalty appeal for holding back the defender as he jumped. But a couple of minutes later Fàbregas found Iniesta with a short lob, and Navas stayed onside long enough to turn his square pass in to the empty net. (18.06.12)