Spain beats Croatia 5-3 to advance to the quarterfinals

The 2008 and 2012 European champions – Spain seeks to build momentum to reclaim its throne after the defending champion Portugal were painfully eliminated by FIFA World No. 1 – Belgium.

The Spanish have now set the record straight in a clash between Switzerland in the quarter finals on Friday – July 2nd at St. Petersburg.

Croatia took the lead in the 20th minute through a bizarre own goal by Pedri, where the Spanish midfielder passed back to his keeper Unai Simon, who couldn't control the ball and let it roll into his own net.

Spain shook off its early match blues and equalized through Pablo Sarabia after much confusion in the Croatian box, which worked to the advantage of the Spanish.

Luis Enrique's half time team talk seemed to have worked as Cesar Azpilicueta took advantage of a Ferran Torres cross and headed the ball inside the net at the 57th minute.

Ferran Torres scored Spain's third and this seemed to be game over for the Croatians but they had other ideas.

Mounting one of its most brilliant comebacks, Croatia scored two late goals.

After six minutes was added after the 90, Croatia always had a chance to take the game to extra-time and that is exactly what they did.

But goals from Alvaro Morata and Oyarzabal were enough to seal the deal for the Spanish in the extra time shattering the dreams of the Croatians making it to the quarter final stage.