Luka Modric thwarts Sergio Ramos’ penalty attempt as he tells Croatia team-mates where Spain skipper will shoot
Real Madrid midfielder hints to Darijo Srna where his club captain is likely to aim for... and keeper Danijel Subasic saves
LUKA MODRIC was the puppet master responsible for Croatia's emphatic win over Spain.
The midfield maestro, 30, sat out for the crucial Group D decider on Tuesday through injury.
But that did not stop him thwarting Sergio Ramos' 64th-minute penalty effort.
Moments before striking the ball, Modric signalled to skipper Darijo Srna and tipped him off as to where his Real Madrid club team-mate would place the ball.
Croatia keeper Danijel Subasic said: “Luka Modric sent a message through Srna to wait for Ramos and that he will shoot to my right side. And that’s what happened.”
Spain captain Sergio Ramos hits his penalty kick down the middle of the goal
The Spain captain, also 30, stepped up to the spot after David Silva went down under a Sime Vrsaljko challenge.
Srna interrupted the defender's preparation by running into the box and whispering the message to Subasic.
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And when Ramos finally struck his spot-kick - a bizarre side-foot straight down the middle - Subasic parried away.
With the score still 1-1, Croatia held on and Ivan Perisic netted a late winner to inflict Spain's first defeat in 12 years at the European championships.
Questions arose over why Ramos, a tough-tackling centre-back, took the penalty kick ahead of the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Silva.
Manager Vicente del Bosque said after the game: "We have many takers. I don't think its me who chooses who should take it. It's a question of confidence. Whoever feels best in the morning should take it."
And Barcelona ace Iniesta added: "I was going to take it but Ramos was confident."
