Why was Bruno Petkovic’s goal for Croatia disallowed?

Bruno Petkovic thought he’d given Croatia a late glimmer of hope in his country’s Euro 2024 opener against Spain today - but the striker’s 80th-minute goal, which would have reduced the deficit to 3-1, was ruled out.

What happened?

Having been fouled in the box by Spain midfielder Rodri, Petkovic picked himself up to take the penalty, but saw his spot-kick parried by goalkeeper Unai Simón. Croatia’s Ivan Perisic was first to the rebound, and cut it back into the middle for Petkovic to sweep the ball into the net from close range.

However, replays showed that Perisic was one of a number of Croatia players who had gained an unfair advantage over Spain’s defenders by encroaching the penalty area before Petkovic had taken his unsuccessful penalty.

After a brief check by video assistant referee Stuart Atwell, match referee Michael Oliver disallowed the goal.

Spain cruise to victory

Before Petkovic’s disallowed strike, first-half goals by Álvaro Morata, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Carvajal had given Spain a 3-0 advantage at the Olympiastadion.

That was how the clash ended, leaving the Spaniards as the early leaders of Group B. La Roja, who beat Croatia to the UEFA Nations League title 12 months ago, are chasing their fourth European Championship crown at this summer’s tournament in Germany.

In Group B’s other matchday-one game, defending champions Italy face Albania in Dortmund today at 3pm ET/12 noon PT.

Who do Spain and Croatia face next?

Spain now move on to a clash against Italy in Gelsenkirchen, while Croatia’s next game is against Albania in Hamburg. Both matches will be played on Wednesday 19 June.