Euro 2020: Alvaro Morata’s redemption

Dani Olmo’s cross was perfect and, thanks to a horrible misjudgment by stand-in full-back Josip Brekalo, time almost stood still once Spain’s number seven had cushioned the delivery with his right foot.

While his first touch was wonderful, the second was a defining, perhaps vindicative one. Juventus striker Alvaro Morata’s thumping left-footed volley to hand Spain a 4-3 lead in extra time was his moment of redemption.

After surrendering a 3-1 lead to Croatia in the dying embers of their unforgettable round of 16 tie, Spain purred in the extra 30 minutes to prevail as eventual 5-3 victors.

Luis Enrique’s side will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals following their equally dramatic penalty shootout triumph over world champions France on Monday night.

It was an incredible day for the sport. A timely reminder of its brilliance. The two bouts were littered with star quality, drama, volatile momentum swings and the sort of narratives that’d make Hollywood envious.

Morata’s redemption story has all the makings of a Quentin Tarantino masterpiece, but it’s one that’s yet to conclude.

The Juventus striker has endured plenty over the past few weeks. Whistled by his own supporters during Spain’s opening encounter of the tournament against Sweden and subject to vehement abuse online (of which some was directed towards his wife and young children), Morata has endured his crisis and while some may view his strike against Croatia as the protagonistic sequence in his movie’s resolution, you feel that there’s more to come from the vengeful forward.

"“It is true that I have lived things that do not like, but the majority of Spain is with me. The goal is for my wife, my children and all the people who support. You have to suffer to live moments like this.” Morata speaking post-match."

Morata’s display against a resolute Croatia was, arguably, his finest for the national team.

Once again, he led the line for Enrique alongside versatile wide men Pablo Sarabia and Ferran Torres and manifested his value to a technically proficient but occasionally toothless Spain side. Morata’s movement was key in unlocking a fairly rigid Croatia block in the first half and after Zlatko Dalic altered his side’s defensive tactics in the second period – pressing higher – his capacity to hold the ball up and bring others into play became key in bypassing Croatia pressure and progressing upfield.

No player received more progressive passes in the match than Morata (13).

The majority of his selfless work can’t be quantified – i.e. the space creation for teammates – but his five shot-creating actions (joint-third highest among the Spanish players) depict his creative influence, while his 0.7 xG haul means that, for once, Morata exceeded expectations in front of goal. This was a complete display from the Juve star and one, as those viewing in the UK will know, that superb Chelsea women’s coach Emma Hayes thoroughly enjoyed.

For Enrique, meanwhile, his persistence with the mentally frail forward finally paid dividends. “I don’t want to see another Alvaro, this is the Alvaro that amazes me.

“He has a lot of personality, he endures situations that none of you would like to endure. I have seen a commendable attitude. I’m very happy for him,” said the treble-winning coach post-match (via Eurosport).

Enrique’s emerged as a vehement Morata supporter this summer, on and off the field. He described the abuse directed towards the striker’s family as “a serious crime” and an issue that “has to be put in the hands of the police.”

So in this Tarantino-directed movie, we have Morata as our flawed protagonist: The Jules Winnfield. Enrique in a starring supporting role: The Dr King Schultz. While the cowardly abusers can be our antagonists: The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad.

And as we’ve seen in Inglorious Basterds and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Tarantino is certainly partial to an idealistic concluding act. For Morata, that may well arrive in the form of Euro 2020 glory.

This redemption story is only getting started.