BORDEAUX, France (AP) – Ivan Perisic scored in the 87th minute as Croatia stunned Spain in a 2-1 comeback victory Tuesday to finish top of Group D at the European Championship.
His winning goal gave Croatia its first victory over in 22 years and ended Spain’s unbeaten run at a European Championship that stretched back to 2004.
Defeat means that Spain will now meet Italy in the round of 16 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Croatia will play one of the third-place teams in the northern French city of Lens.
It had all started so well for Spain, when striker Alvaro Morata put his side ahead in the seventh minute, redirecting the ball into the net after a shot by midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Spain playmaker David Silva had split open the Croatia defense with a through-ball to create the chance.
Nikola Kalinic equalized just before halftime with a nice back-heel flick that beat Spain goalkeeper David De Gea at the near post after Perisic delivered the cross from the left.