Flanks the Key to Croatia’s Game Plan
As had been the feature of the first half, Croatia upon regaining possession would look to attack down the wings. Pjaca had started on the left wing with the left footed Perisic on the right possible to counter the dangerous Nolito and Alba down Spain’s left. However after around 25 minutes, the duo swapped wings as most of the play was coming through Silva on the right flank in the opening stages. Pjaca himself did quite well on the night, completing 7 take-ons while Perisic completed 4.
However, these tactics completely bypassed the passing abilities and creativity of Ivan Rakitic who completed just 3 passes in each half, the lowest of any starting player on the night. In the absence of Modric, this showed how the Croats didn’t bother too much with holding onto the ball and attack down the middle where Busquets and then Soriano patrolled but instead down the flanks.
34-year-old Srna playing in 133rd capped and 17th tournament appearance for the country, both the highest by any Croatia player, was also a willing runner down the right flank. His crosses led to a couple of dangerous situations, one of which De Gea flapped at and presented Jedvaj with a volley though it was well saved.
The winner came three minutes from time and culminated in the perfect execution of Croatia’s tactics. Aduriz’s shot was blocked and it fell to Pjaca who found Kalinic in the centre circle with a first time ball. The striker really shouldn’t have been allowed to turn but Pique and Ramos gave him room to run at them. An overlapping Perisic streaked down the left flank and Pique’s attempted block took an unfortunate deflection which was enough to beat De Gea at his near post.
Man of the Match: Ivan Perisic
The Inter wide player scored on his 50th cap for Croatia and has now netted in 6 of his last 10 appearances for the national team, finally rising to prominence. In the absence of key players, he took up the mantle as one of the senior players and deserves the man of the match award.
Conclusion
Subasic’s only shot saved was from the penalty and that speaks volumes about Croatia’s stiffening of Spain and the lack of incisive passing by the holders. Their defeat will no doubt prove to be a template for Antonio Conte in the next round and without a plan B it could well be Del Bosque’s last game in charge.
It is quite possible that the Spanish players weren’t able to maintain their intensity in the muggy Bordeaux weather as it was their third game in 8 games on the back of another gruelling club season while their opponents could maintain their fitness levels due to wholesale changes.
However, Croatia becomes the first team in history of Euro finals to beat Spain after conceding the opening goal (17W 2D) with a clutch of young players along with seasoned veterans and earned their reward of a forgiving run to the final.
