Well, that was absolutely mental.
Spain and Croatia have played out an all-time classic in Copenhagen this evening, with Luis Enrique's side eventually emerging as 5-3 winners after extra time.
It was a game that had a bit of everything: own goals, moments of pure quality, and some really poor pieces of play.
Unai Simon wouldn't have made an outfield player anyway 🤦♂️ #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/BixZXxwfD5
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 28, 2021
In the end, despite giving up a two-goal lead at the end of normal time, Spain just managed to outlast their opponents to book a place in the quarter-finals.
#CRO 3-4 #ESP
Alvaro Morata answers his critics with a superb finish that puts Spain back in the lead.#CROESP #EURO2020 #RTEsoccer
📱 Live updates - https://t.co/yJUF91n46r
📺 Watch live - https://t.co/bZMmmPDnlU pic.twitter.com/LabTRja9Qb— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 28, 2021
How far can they go in the tournament? They will need to sharpen up at the back, but they certainly have the ability to impose themselves on games.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, Didi Hamann said that despite not being major fans of their's before the tournament, he believes they can go and win the whole thing.
They should have won it in 90 minutes.
Croatia, with great mentality and character, got back into the game and made it to extra-time.
I was impressed with this Spanish side. Whoever wins tonight (in France vs Switzerland), if it was France I think they stand a good chance
I was very, very impressed. Obviously defensively they had to defend the last ten minutes. But the way they pass the ball, I think they're a match for anyone.
I didn't have them down as winners at the start of the tournament, but after this performance today I think they can win it.
While Spain have scored a massive ten goals in their last two fixtures, there remains plenty of questions about their potential.
The defence looked like an issue this evening, although it had been solid up to that point. You would imagine that the likes of France, Belgium, and Germany would provide a very stern challenge for them.
Also speaking on RTÉ, Republic of Ireland international Aine Gorman said that the Spanish could struggle to overcome France in a potential quarter-final meeting.
Complacency probably kicked in during the latter part of the second half. Luis Enrique is quite ruthless usually, but with all the subs coming on I think they got very casual and were forced to defend.
Croatia in fairness to them came out in the second half, pressed them high and threw everything at them. There was great spirit shown by Modric.
I don't know if I'm with Didi on this win. I think if France win later they will beat Spain.
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