Internet Desk: Ivan Perisic’s late goal helped Croatia stun Spain 2-1 and tip their opponents to the top spot in Euro 2016 Group D on Tuesday.
After Alvaro Morata gave Spain an early lead, Croatia hit back through Nikola Kalinic before the break, and Sergio Ramos had a penalty saved for Spain in the second half before Perisic scored three minutes from time.
The result means Spain finished second and will have to play Italy in the round of 16 on Monday at the Stade de France.
Spain scored with their first opportunity of the game in the seventh minute as David Silva played in Cesc Fabregas, who chipped Croatia keeper Danijel Subasic.
Spain nearly doubled their lead within two minutes but Nolita’s volleyed effort following a Silva cross went just wide.
Croatia kept up the pressure throughout the first half, though Spain had a good chance in the 44th minute when Fabregas found an open Morata at the top of the box, but the striker’s first touch was too heavy and Subasic gathered.
And before the break Croatia were finally rewarded for their efforts when Perisic’s cross from the wing flew just over Rakitic’s head but fell perfectly onto the outside of Kalinic’s foot to flick in at the near post for the equaliser.
The crucial moment came when Spain were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after Sime Vrsaljko clipped Silva in the box as they chased a lobbed Iniesta pass.
It was a debatable call and the furious Croatian defenders were vindicated when Ramos hit his penalty too close to Subasic and the keeper saved.
And Croatia made Spain pay with a winner in the 87th minute.
Croatia broke out on the counter-attack after Aritz Aduriz’s shot was blocked at the top of the box, Kalinic carried the ball upfield and laid off for Perisic, whose shot from the angle beat De Gea at his near post.
The Group D winners is still to be determined, as Croatia will next play on Saturday in Lens against either Slovakia or the third-place team from Group E or Group F.
Meanwhile, Turkey beat Czech Republic 2-0 in Lens to keep alive their hopes of a place in the round of 16 at Euro 2016.
The win meant they finished third in the group, and moved above Albania in the ranking of third-placed teams, but will need another team to finish with a worse record to make the knockouts.
Turkey took the lead five minutes later as Burak Yilmaz scored their first goal of Euro 2016. Emre Mor, who will join Borussia Dortmund in the summer, burst away down the right flank and picked out the striker with an inch-perfect pass. Yilmaz’s first-time sidefooted finish gave Petr Cech little chance in the Czech goal.
Turkey’s second goal knocked the stuffing out of Czech Republic, as Yilmaz then headed over from a promising position in the centre of goal.
Turkey then almost got their third when sub Olcay Sahan wriggled into space in the box but slashed wide.
There was to be no more scoring, but Turkey must wait to see if they have done enough to get through. They need Hungary to beat Portugal or no team to better their record from Group E to advance.