- Croatia Collapse, Spain Cruise By Turkey -
Croatia gave up a 2-0 lead allowing the Czech Republic to salvage a 2-2 draw. In Group D’s other match, Spain put three past Turkey earning their ticket to the last 16.
uefa euro 2016 - group stage (group d)
| Czech Republic | 2 - 2 | Croatia |
|---|---|---|
| Skoda 76' Necid (p) 90'+4' |
Perisic 37' Rakitic 59' |
Croatia dominated the first half and it was no surprise when Perisic opened the score in the 37th minute, with his well placed left-footed shot. Croatia picked up where they left off in the first half, and in the 59th minute took advantage of a defensive lapse by the Czech to double their lead. As Croatia pressed on for a third it was the Czechs who cut the lead in half with a fantastic header from Skoda. The Czech’s looked for the equalizer and it came well into stoppage time, when Vida committed a clumsy handball in the penalty box. The penalty was put away by Necid, keeping the Czech’s alive after today’s 2-2 draw.
Croatia could have locked their place in the final 16 with a win today, but they will have to wait for the final matchday where they will face tough opponents, Spain. With the point, the Czech Republic can still advance with a win in their final game against Turkey and with the help of other results.
uefa euro 2016 - group stage (group d)
| Spain | 3 - 0 | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Morata 34', 48' Niloto 37' |
The 3-0 score was a good indicator of today’s match between Spain and Turkey with the Spaniards dominating the whole game. Spain took a 2 goal lead within 7 minutes (30th and 37th minute) and with their third three minutes after the restart, Spain cruised to an easy victory. The second half was played at a slow pace, however Spain created many chances to increase their margin of victory. Turkey was problematic, similar to their opener against Croatia, creating only one good chance to score (in the 88th minute).
The win puts Spain through to the Knockout Stages as they sit in 1st place of Group D on 6 points. They will play Croatia on the final matchday to secure top spot in the group. On the other hand, Turkey is in a tough position sitting in last place with 0 points, a -4 goal differential, and 0 goals scored. They will need a very good result in the final matchday against the Czech Republic to have any hopes of advancing as one of the best third placed teams.
Image Souce: goal.com
