Croatia the impressers in Euro 2016

There are clear indications that Croatia are not done yet after beating Spain 2-1

Who would have ever thought that a headline such as the one written above will be devised for a team like Croatia? After all, the Vatreni were always counted among the minnows when it came to European or even world football.

So for them conquering Spanish side, which were unbeaten in 14 European games and had gone 735 minutes before conceding their first goal at the championships, is a prodigious achievement in itself.

Croatia's forward Nikola Kalinic (R) scores past Spain's goalkeeper David De Gea. PHOTO: AFP

It is true that this isn’t the first upset caused by Croatia. They have managed to break hearts here and there in their past with the most memorable triumph being the 3-2 win over England in Euro 2008 qualifying which knocked the Three Lions out of the competition and the 2-1 win over Germany in the 2008 Euro finals, yet they have never played with the swagger they have displayed in this tournament before.

In this year’s European Championships when all other teams have shown signs of vulnerability, Croatia have been remarkably solid.

They are currently on top of a group which contains defending champions Spain, Turkey and Czech Republic and are primed to go farther than they have ever gone in the Euros — they have only made past the group stages twice in four attempts; in the 1996 and 2008 Euros.

Croatia react to a saved penalty. PHOTO: AFP

Their 2-1 win over Spain was the biggest upset this year’s European Championships have witnessed with La Roja left abashed by Ivan Perišić’s late winner. And the fact that the Croats came from 1-0 down to break Spain, who have never tasted defeated in Euros when in front, speaks volumes of the character this team has.

While many have questioned Spain manager Vicente del Bosque’s team selection, citing overused-players as the reason for Spain’s dismal display, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Spain is not comprised of players who are not used to the gruelling nature of the sport. They have players from among the best clubs of Europe and train in a way to be able to play all year round and are hence used to all the shenanigans that come with playing more matches.

Spanish players were left dejected after the 2-1 loss. PHOTO: AFP

But while Spain certainly shoulder some of the blame in the 2-1 defeat, with Sergio Ramos’ missed penalty the epitome of their performance, it was the cheeky grit of the Croatians which overawed their opponents, with the prime example being when Ramos’ Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric told goalkeeper Danijel Subašić where the Spaniard would be aiming his penalty.

The Croats have displayed a remarkable resilience throughout this tournament and only a crowd disturbance seemed to make them drop their focus a little bit which cost them two points against the Czech Republic. But apart from that this team deserves all the praise it can get.

It certainly is unfair to bombard Spain for succumbing to their first defeat in the finals but the manner with which they were ousted and the fact that the win saw Croatia top the group rather than every bookie’s favourite Spain will definitely attract a lot of criticism.

Croatia's goalkeeper Danijel Subasic (2nd L) celebrates after saving a penalty. PHOTO: AFP

Just when everyone thought Spain had found their mojo, they are now forced to go back to the drawing board. It certainly has been this kind of Euros this time with big teams being forced to rethink by the smaller ones.

While Croatia may have registered their biggest win ever (in terms of the importance of the triumph), there are clear indications that they are not done yet. There is more to come from this band of Croats and, who knows, we might even find a new champion this time.