Euro 2016: Subasic reveals Luka Modric's advice helped him save Sergio Ramos' penalty

sergio ramos penalty miss
Sergio Ramos’ penalty was saved by Subasic

Croatia shocked Spain 2-1 in their final Group D match which helped them finish as Group D toppers. A turning point in the game was Subasic’s save from Sergio Ramos’ penalty. Now, Subasic has revealed how Sergio Ramos’ Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modric played a huge hand in the penalty save.

Before the penalty was taken, Croatian captain Darijo Srna passed on a message from Modric to Subasic.

“Penalties are a lottery,” said Subasic. “The guy from Czech Republic [Tomas Necid] smashed the ball well, this time I waited a little and made good save.

“Luka Modric send a message through Srna to wait for Ramos and that he will shoot to my right side. And that’s what happened.”

The penalty-save had huge implications as Spain have now finished second and they face Italy in the Round of 16 clash.

Pedro frustrated by lack of opportunities

Spain winger Pedro is frustrated by the lack of opportunities he has been given so far in his country's opening two fixtures at the European Championship in France.

The 28-year-old, who has been capped 58 times by Spain, came on after 82 minutes in the 1-0 win against Czech Republic in their Group D opener and was an unused substitute in the 3-0 victory over Turkey on Friday.

"I had different expectations when I first came here," Pedro was quoted as saying in Spanish media.

"It is difficult for me to play this role (as a substitute) and if there is no continuity it is not worth me turning up just to be part of the group," he added.

"I always want to be involved on the pitch, so I am going to keep working hard to try to play and be in the best possible shape to help the team."

Spain might need the experience of the Chelsea star if they are to get through a tricky match against Italy. Morata has been in fine form so far, but with Nolito and Aduritz failing to live up to expectations, Pedro might just be the player to spark Spain’s Euro 2016 title bid.

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Edited by Staff Editor