Match Analysis: Croatia 0-1 Spain

A late goal from Jesus Navas means that Spain have qualified from Group C of Euro 2012 after a 1-0 win over Croatia in Gdansk.

The Sevilla winger came on for Fernando Torres midway through the second half and came up with the winning goal.

Ces Fabregas's chipped through ball set Andres Iniesta through on goal and he squared the ball to Navas, who blasted into the empty net.

Italy have also qualified after winning 1-0 against the Republic of Ireland.

Sports Mole's analysis:

Croatia statistics:
Shots 7
On target 3
Possession 28%
Corners 4
Fouls 21

Spain Statistics:
Shots 15
On target 8
Possession 72%
Corners 11
Fouls 16

Was the result fair?

Spain were the better team, although they found Croatia a tough nut to crack. It was only Spain's late goal when they effectively breached Croatia's backline. Croatia had one big chance from Rakitic, which could have drastically altered the result. However, on reflection, it was probably a fair result.

Croatia's performance

Croatia looked defensively solid and when they did get forward they looked like scoring. They have some talented players and could have squeaked through if they had scored a goal. Bilic set out his team out well, given the quality of the opposition. All in all, a decent showing.

Spain's performance

Spain dominated possession, as per usual. They did not look like they got out of third gear at times, and it was only when Croatia committed men forward that they found space behind their defence. The real work of defending their trophy starts now.

Sports Mole's man of the match

David Silva: David Silva looked bright and inventive before he was withdrawn from proceedings. He was Spain's best player and manouvred a few decent openings.

Referee performance

Although he was kept on his toes with numerous fouls, Wolfgang Stark did not have to make any really big calls. It was a good performance, as he was hardly noticable. Television replays did show that Gerard Pique may have got away with an albow, but you can't have eyes everywhere.

Biggest gaffe of the game

Ivan Rakitic missed a sitter as the scores were level and the game was finely poised in the second half. That proved to be a crucial moment in the outcome of the match. Croatia were not really being troubled at the back.

What next?

Croatia: Bilic will now leave his post as manager to take up the job at Lokomotiv Moscow. They look like a good bet to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Spain: The reigning champions will face the second-placed team from Group D. England will be hoping to win against Ukraine and get the easier draw of Italy in the quarter-final.