Rakitic haunted by Spain miss

Ivan Rakitic says his missed chance in Croatia’s 1-0 loss to Spain could haunt him for some time following his team’s Euro 2012 exit.

Sevilla player Rakitic came close to breaking the deadlock on the hour mark of the match in Gdansk on Tuesday with a flying header from close range.

But his attempt was kept out by Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, as Croatia eventually crashed out of the tournament after Jesus Navas netted the winning goal late in the game.

“I did not manage to take the chance that came my way. I think I will probably have sleepless nights thinking about that,” Rakitic told the UEFA website.

“It was obvious that we gave everything on the pitch, we gave it our best shot.

“I can honestly say that my soul was left on that pitch, and I think I need a few people to carry me off the pitch because I was literally dead.

“I just want to say one big, big thank you to our supporters. They were cheering for us, they were here with us all of this time – we are really very, very proud that people like that are behind us.”

Croatia’s loss saw them finished third in Group C with four points from three games played, behind Italy and group winners Spain.