The Croatian national team recovered from the shock of the incident in Rijeka and entered the match against Spain brilliantly at Poljud. Slaven Bilić's side played with great aggression from the start, pressing the Spanish side.
Croatia created a major chance early in the match. Perišić crossed from the left wing towards Josip Stanišić, who took a shot from close range, but Unai Simon made a brilliant save.
The reward came in the 17th minute. Following a great move and the initial save by Unai Simon, Ivan Perišić scored, putting Slaven Bilić's side ahead at Poljud. Croatia took the lead against Spain thanks to Perišić's goal.
Perišić was one of the most active players on the pitch from the start, and with his goal he reached 40 goals for the national team. His activity and the finishing of the move allowed Croatia to take an early lead in the match.
Head coach Slaven Bilić could not hide his immense emotion during the celebration. His reaction was captured by the cameras, and at one point he let out all his emotion, showing how much this meant to him.
