Croatia vs. Spain: Score and Twitter Reaction from Euro 2016

Ivan Perisic gave Croatia a shock 2-1 win against Spain in Group D at UEFA Euro 2016 in Bordeaux, France, on Tuesday, as the holders collapsed against an inspired opponent.  

Alvaro Morata gave the Spanish an early goal, but Nikola Kalinic equalised on the half-time whistle, allowing Perisic to claim a famous 87th-minute winner.

Spain looked jaded after a quick start, and Croatia deserved their victory as they picked the defensive lock with ruthless expertise. 

The victory gave Croatia the group win above Spain, who finish second on six points.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque named an unchanged side, opting to keep his starting XI intact throughout the group stage.

Croatia made four changes following the 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic on Friday. Luka Modric missed out with a groin problem, and Dinamo Zagreb's Marko Rog replaced him. Tin Jedvaj, 20, and Marko Pjaca, 21, provided an injection of youth, with Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic replaced. Manager Ante Cacic selected Kalinic to lead the line with Mario Mandzukic rested.

Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports spoke about the Croatian game plan:

Spain were business-like from the opening exchanges and wasted no time taking the lead through Morata after a wondrous passing move. 

David Silva found Cesc Fabregas sprinting into the box, and the Chelsea man squared the ball for Morata to net after only seven minutes.

ESPN's Dermot Corrigan called the action:

ITV Football shared footage of the opening goal:

Croatia were almost on terms after 13 minutes as the Spanish defence collapsed. Goalkeeper David De Gea was caught off his line from a clearance, and Ivan Rakitic chipped the ball over the Manchester United No. 1, hitting the bar and post to Spain's relief.

ITV Football once again shared the action as the Barcelona midfielder went close:

The Spanish suddenly looked vulnerable at the back as Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos dithered. Croatia appeared motivated to make their opponent pay for their lapses of concentration.

Spain came to their senses and increasingly retained the ball as the Croatians hunted to level the scores.

Four Four Two Stats Zone highlighted the shape of the game:

Croatia continued to apply pressure as Rakitic dominated his position, but it was Spain who should have doubled their lead just before the break.

Fabregas found Morata with a precession pass, but the striker fluffed his lines when he should have scored.

Croatia immediately punished Spain for their deficiency in front of goal as they claimed an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Perisic danced down the left, and his cross found Kalinic for a simple tap-in at the near post. Spain's centre-backs failed to cover themselves in glory as they exposed De Gea's six-yard box.

ITV Football shared the striker's finish as firecrackers went off in the stands:

WhoScored.com highlighted the Fiorentina player's contribution:

WhoScored also provided the vital stats during the half-time interval:

Croatia were immediately back on the front foot during the advent of the second half, forcing Del Bosque to make changes as Spain struggled.

Bruno Soriano replaced Nolito as the Spanish coach attempted to inject much-needed pragmatism.

The Croatians were growing into the challenge, and Perisic and Rakitic had the better of their markers in a tactical battle of wits.

Marko Pjaca had a huge shout for a penalty as he went down in the box on the hour mark, but the referee waved away Croatian appeals as Ramos protested against his fall. Ramos almost grabbed the lead for Spain seconds later, nodding his header past the post from a corner.

Corrigan once again called the action:

Silva turned the game on its head with 20 minutes to play as he threw himself to the ground, earning a penalty after minimal contact.

Ramos took the kick, but goalkeeper Danijel Subasic saved it. The centre-back blasted his penalty down the middle, but the stopper read the Spaniard's intent.

Spanish newspaper AS gave its opinion on Ramos' effort:

GEORGES GOBET/Getty Images

The penalty incident clearly inspired Croatia, and they drove forward in hope of stealing a winner. Spain looked tired in the closing minutes, having been involved in a bruising encounter with an opponent playing above their station.

The Spanish opted to keep the ball as the game neared its conclusion—happy to take a draw—but it was left to Perisic to earn the three points as he beat De Gea at his near post.

ITV Football highlighted the vital final moment:

It was an uncharacteristic mistake from the goalkeeper, who was caught on his heels in the last few minutes of normal time. Spain put on a lacklustre display after a good first half, but Croatia showed intent and purpose as the drama unfolded.

Perisic was outstanding as he continually attacked the left channel, and he was the deserved hero at full time.

Post-Match Reaction

Del Bosque was philosophical after his side suffered a late defeat to Croatia in Bordeaux, per Corrigan:

 Spain's defeat sees them drawn to play Italy in the Round of 16 on Monday, June 27 in Paris.