Last update on. From the section European ChampionshipAfter a thrilling eight-goal thriller, Spain advanced to the quarter-finals in dramatic fashion.Luis Enrique's team was rocked by substitutes for Croatia Mislav Orsic, and Mario Pasalic scoring twice in the final five minute to bring back 3-1 and force extra time. But Spain rallied and the additional 30 minutes brought out more drama.Alvaro Morata, the striker, revealed that his family was threatened by his performances during the tournament. He silenced his critics in Copenhagen when he scored Spain's fourth goal in extra-time.Three minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal scored a fifth goal to win over Croatia. They had been fighting bravely in the highly entertaining last-16 tie.Unai Simon, goalkeeper, failed to stop Pedri’s 49-yard back pass 20 minutes in, giving Croatia the lead.This bizarre goal was reacted to by Spain. Cesar Azpilicueta scored an equalizer, Pablo Sarabia added another, and Ferran Torres made it 3-1.Spain seemed content and ready to cruise, but Croatia exploded into action late to add time.The excitement continued as Simon made amends for his earlier mistake with a heroic stop at close range to deny Andrejkramaric, before Morata moved up the other side to put Spain ahead.It was the most entertaining match in the tournament so Spain, three-time champions, will be facing Switzerland in the quarter-finals. They beat France in another great match.Simon and Morata display Spanish characteristicsSpain was the first European Championship side to score five goals or more in consecutive matches. Morata's goal however, was the most significant.He had missed many good opportunities in the tournament prior to this game, and it seemed like it wouldn't be his night again when Ferran Torres failed to cross him early on.The Croatian lead was taken by Croatia two minutes later. However, Spain players gathered at full-time to celebrate Morata's goal. Their place in the quarterfinals was secured largely thanks to Morata's goal.This display of character by Spain to bounce back from their own goal and then regroup after Croatia forced them to extend their time.They were filled with joy and relief as they watched full-time. Now, they will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals after their extraordinary penalty shootout in Bucharest saw them knock out France, world champions.Simon, the keeper, was relieved more than anyone - he made a crucial save in extra play after making a huge mistake.Croatia is out, but not without fightingCroatian World Cup Finalists lost in the 16th stage to Portugal, who beat them in 2016.They did not give up without a fight.Spain was relentless for a period of the match, but Croatia created clear chances and if they were more clinical it could have been an entirely different story.Nikola Vlasic hit one into the sidenetting, and Kramaric was flagged offside. Spain won 3-1.Croatia, however, was not content to be left behind, and stepped up the intensity just like Spain.Croatia could have been allowed to proceed if Orsic had fired dangerously high over the bar minutes before Kramaric was denied.These misses were costly, and Spain nearly scored a sixth point when Dani Olmo's curler crashed off the left post in dying seconds.After failing to make an amazing comeback, Croatia was naturally downright depressed. However, they did play their part in an exciting match.Player of the match Azpilicueta csar Azpilicueta, with an average 7.39 Croatia Croatia Croatia CroatiaSpain Spain Croatia Avg squad number 10 Player named Modric Average ranking 6.82 Squad Number 15 Player player name Pasalic Average ratings 6.29 Squad numbers 16 Player player name Rodri Average Rating 6.45 Squad numbers 4 Player number Torres Player rating 6.00 Squad numbers 21 Player number Olmo Average Rating 6.35 Squad numbers 8 Player number Torres Player rating Player number Rodri Average Rating 6.36 Squad Number 21 Player number Oyarzabal Player rating. 6.36 Squad figures 21 Player number Torres Player rating. 6.32 Squad amount of 17 Player number 17 Player number 23 Player number 4.90 rating.
