Safe: Croatia goakeeper Stipe Pletikosa (left) watches a shot fly over at the Gdansk Arena

After an opening half that Spain began brightly, Silva in particular, Croatia had harried the holders into mainly deep midfield possession. Pletikosa was forced to block from Torres at his near post in the 23rd minute but a sense of stalemate set in around 10 minutes before half- time, just as Italy were taking the lead in Poznan.

Modric, operating behind Mandzukic (Everton manager David Moyes was here and has been linked with a bid for the latter) grew as the game progressed and when Ramos went needlessly for a 50-50 challenge near the halfway line, Modric skipped away.

Reaching the Spain area, the Tottenham midfielder supplied a peach of a cross to the far post. Had Mandzukic been there, Croatia might have scored but it was the winger Rakitic. His header was firm but too close to Casillas. Still, it was a smart save, and it kept Spain in it at a time when they were beginning to drag their feet.

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