Sports

Extra-time goals by Morata, Oyarzabal send Spain into Euro 2020 quarterfinals

Sports Desk, Jun 28 (EFE).- Spain survived a late comeback by Croatia in the Euro 2020 knockout stage, winning 5-3 Monday on the strength of extra-time goals from Alvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal to reach the quarterfinals.

The Spanish squad got off to an unfortunate start at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen when goalkeeper Unai Simon allowed a back pass from midfielder Pedri to ricochet off his shin and into the back of the net at the 20-minute mark of the first half.

Midfielder Pablo Sarabia drew Spain level in the 38th minute when he put the ball home after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic had saved an initial attempt by Jose Luis Gaya.

Spain’s Ferran Torres excelled in the second half, setting up right back Cesar Azpilicueta for a goal on a header in the 56th minute – his maiden international tally – before seemingly clinching the victory with a score of his own in the 77th minute that made the score 3-1.

Croatian winger Mislav Orsic, however, spearheaded a late comeback by tapping the ball over the line in the 85th minute and then delivering a cross that Mario Pasalic headed home for the 3-3 equalizer in second-half stoppage time.

In extra time, Morata answered his critics by scoring in the 100th minute on a powerful close-range shot before Oyarzabal put the game out of reach with a goal three minutes later. EFE

ta/mc

Related Articles

Back to top button