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Srna and Croatia through to Euro last 16

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

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FCSD

On June 21, the Croatia national team held their third match at the Euro 2016. The Blazers met with the Group D leaders Spain

Darijo Srna customarily led his team out onto the pitch as a captain. It should be noted that the Shakhtar defender set a national record, with this match becoming his 17th appearance for the national team in major competitions (World Cup and European Championship finals).

The Croats had a confident start. In one of the episodes Srna happened to be in a striking position after a rebound, but his shot went wide. In turn, the Spaniards took the lead just 7 minutes into the game - Fabregas hooked the ball past the keeper along the goalline and Morata buried it into the net - 1­-0. However, despite a viscous game, the Croats managed to score an equalizer: Kalinić completed a pass by Perišić, netting one just before half-time.

The Blazers had an active second half as well. Srna created several opportunities at de Gea's posts after flank passes. Halfway through the second half, Pjaca fell in the penalty area of the Spanish team after contact with a defender's foot, but the referee did not see a violation. A few minutes later, he awarded a penalty kick for the Spanish squad. Ramos took the shot but Subašić parried it away! Moreover, the Croats managed to pull out a last minute victory: Srna slide blocked a shot by Aduriz, and the Blazers mounted a counter attack, which resulted in a successful corner shot by Perišić.

The final score is 2-1,with Croatia advancing to the Euro Round of 16 after taking the first spot in the group.

Photo courtesy of Croatian Football Federation