• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
1
Home Features Euro 2020 Previews and Match Reports

Morata rises to occasion as Spain outlast Croatia in eight-goal thriller

28 June 2021, 9:20 PM  |
Reuters Reuters |  @SABCNews
Spain's Koke celebrates with teammates after the match.

Spain's Koke celebrates with teammates after the match.

Image: Reuters

Spain's Koke celebrates with teammates after the match.

Spain striker Alvaro Morata enjoyed sweet redemption by helping fire his side to a 5-3 win over Croatia after extra time on Monday to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 in an enthralling match laced with drama and storylines.

WHAT. A. GAME.

?? Spain win EIGHT-GOAL extra time thriller in Copenhagen and progress to quarter-finals!

? THAT match = ________#EURO2020

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 28, 2021

Spain fell behind in the first half to a Pedri own goal from near the halfway line after an incredible error from keeper Unai Simon but they looked on their way to a comfortable victory with goals from Pablo Sarabia, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ferran Torres.

Yet, Croatia staged an unthinkable comeback with goals from Mislav Orsic in the 85th minute and a Mario Pasalic header in added time to force the extra period.

Spain showed tremendous character though and prevailed thanks to Morata’s superb strike in the 100th minute and a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 103rd.

Spain celebrated a first knockout win in a major tournament since winning Euro 2012 to set up a quarter-final against France or Switzerland in St Petersburg on Friday.

Croatia head home with their heads held high but are still waiting to win a knockout game at a Euros.

Morata has been the centre of attention of Spain‘s campaign amid inconsistent performances and criticism from his own supporters, which took an ugly turn during last week’s 5-0 win over Slovakia.

His wife and children were threatened by supporters in Seville and he complained of facing death threats before the game, prompting coach Luis Enrique to urge police action.

Morata has been accused of having a fragile disposition but showed real leadership when Spain‘s confidence was on the floor, controlling a Dani Olmo cross with one foot before blasting into the roof of the net.

His team mate Simon also compensated for his first-half howler, making a superb save to thwart Andrej Kramaric early in extra-time.
Substitute Oyarzabal struck moments later to increase Spain‘s lead and this time Croatia had no response.

The three-times European champions will now face either France or Switzerland on July 2 in St. Petersburg.

WHAT DRAMA!

?? Morata + Oyarzabal = Spain heroes! ?#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/VUrZyzghbE

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 28, 2021

Share article
Tags: SpainCroatiaAlvaro MorataEuro 2020
Previous Post

SA reports 12 222 new COVID-19 cases, death toll surpasses 60 000 mark

Next Post

Mixed reactions to Mabuza seeking medial treatment in Russia

Related Posts

SA MotoGP rider Brad Binder

Binder ‘fights like hell’ to win Argentina sprint from 15th on grid

1 April 2023, 9:08 PM
A soccer player on the field.

Orlando Pirates move to second spot on DSTV Premiership log

1 April 2023, 9:01 PM
Mamelodi Sundowns players at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Mamelodi Sundowns make it six PSL titles in a row

1 April 2023, 8:34 PM
A soccer ball inside a goal net.

No Haaland, no problem as Man City thrash Liverpool 4-1

1 April 2023, 3:42 PM
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso during practice.

Aston Martin had ‘best’ qualifying at Australian Grand Prix: Alonso

1 April 2023, 2:02 PM
The logo of Olympic Games.

Ukrainian athletes not allowed to compete against Russians in Paris qualifiers

1 April 2023, 8:50 AM
Next Post
The Deputy President has made several of these trips in the past.

Mixed reactions to Mabuza seeking medial treatment in Russia

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • Public sector unions accept revised 7.5% wage increase
  • ‘Medupi Power Station’s design ‘flaws’ deliberate to cost taxpayers money’
  • Zimbabwe Reserve Bank faces sanctions over money laundering accusations
  • UPDATE: Oscar Pistorius denied parole
  • UJ, TUT named hubs of Artificial Intelligence
  • Corporates prepare for a possible national blackout
  • Unions set the record on wage settlement agreement reports
  • UPDATE | Court hears evidence regarding Zuma’s medical records
  • Public sector unions accept revised 7.5% wage increase
  • SABC News crew attacked on N2 while monitoring protests
  • Mpofu’s mandate as Mkhwebane’s representative at Section 194 Committee has ended
  • Eight killed in Limpopo N1 crash
  • UPDATE | Five suspects killed during shootout with police in Durban
  • SABC News distances itself from fake news post
  • Northern Cape Education hosts matric camp for struggling learners

LATEST

Police badge.
  • South Africa

Police lauded for bringing down murder and drug dealing suspects


SA MotoGP rider Brad Binder
  • Sport

Binder ‘fights like hell’ to win Argentina sprint from 15th on grid


A soccer player on the field.
  • Sport

Orlando Pirates move to second spot on DSTV Premiership log


Mamelodi Sundowns players at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
  • Sport

Mamelodi Sundowns make it six PSL titles in a row


Crime scene tape
  • South Africa

Residents in Durban flat where suspects killed left reeling


EFF members cleaning a dumpsite
  • Politics

Malema takes Andries Tatane clean-up campaign to Limpopo


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2023

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2023

Previous SA reports 12 222 new COVID-19 cases, death toll surpasses 60 000 mark
Next Mixed reactions to Mabuza seeking medial treatment in Russia