Dramatic Day At Euro

Somehow the drama in Bucharest topped that in Copenhagen earlier, when Alvaro Morata netted an all-important goal as Spain prevailed in extra time against the 2018 World Cup runners-up, but only after they also let slip a 3-1 lead.

Luka Modric’s Croatia came back to force the extra half-hour but that was when Morata, the Atletico Madrid striker who has been panned for his performances by critics and subjected to abuse from fans, controlled a cross and volleyed home in the 100th minute.

Mikel Oyarzabal then secured Spain’s victory in what was the highest-scoring game at a European Championship since the opening match of the very first tournament in 1960, when Yugoslavia defeated hosts France 5-4.

Croatia had been gifted a first-half lead when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon allowed Pedri’s back-pass to slip under his foot and in.

But Luis Enrique’s side had been the better team prior to that and they levelled through Pablo Sarabia before appearing to run away with the tie in the second half.

kagwirawo.co.ug

Manchester City winger Ferran Torres crossed for Cesar Azpilicueta to head in his first goal for his country and Torres then made it 3-1.

However, Croatia substitute Mislav Orsic pulled one back with five minutes left, the referee indicating that the ball had just crossed the line, and then fellow substitute Mario Pasalic headed in a stoppage-time equaliser.

Croatia, who came through three ties that were not settled before extra time on their run to the World Cup final in Russia, could not recover after falling 5-3 down.

Dramatic Day At Euro

“We were given a second chance in the game, which is not something that often happens,” admitted Luis Enrique.

The final last-16 ties will be played on Tuesday, with the blockbuster showdown between England and Germany at Wembley preceding Sweden’s clash with Ukraine in Glasgow.