Croatia 0 Spain 1: Spain splutter but end up on top

Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic both had earlier chances to break the deadlock and Croatia kept pushing deep into stoppage time as they sought the equaliser that could still have sent them through.

Resolute in defence and surging down the flanks on the counter-attack, Croatia kept the Spaniards at bay for long periods.

In a poor first period, Fernando Torres came closest to breaking the deadlock when he brought a good save out of Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.

Although Spain dominated most of the early possession, chances were at a premium, with Jordi Alba blazing wide and Andres Iniesta poking a shot goalwards where it was saved by Pletikosa.

But after Gerard Pique shot over the bar, Croatia replied with some pressure of their own, Danijel Pranjic shooting low at Iker Casillas and Mandzukic blazing over the bar from just inside the box.

Knowing they were likely to need a goal to give them a chance of reaching the last eight, Croatia made a brighter start to the second half with a dangerous corner from Rakitic punched away by Casillas. Croatia went agonisingly close to taking the lead in the 59th minute when Luka Modric beat Ramos on the right and crossed into the box where Rakitic’s low header was brilliantly saved at point-blank range by Casillas.

Ten minutes later two of Croatia’s substitutes combined, Ivan Perisic finding space on the left to loft a cross which floated inches too high for Nikica Jelavic in front of goal.

Substitute Cesc Fabregas was a major influence in calming Spanish nerves and made the crucial move in the 87th minute when he lobbed Pletikosa to send Iniesta clear.

He in turn squared for another substitute Navas to tap home the simplest of chances.