Defending champion Spain beats Croatia 1-0, advances to Euro 2012 quarterfinals

GDANSK, Poland – Jesus Navas scored a late goal Monday to give Spain a 1-0 win over Croatia and a spot in the European Championship quarterfinals.

Andres Iniesta passed to Navas inside the area after Spain broke the offside trap, and the substitute forward kicked the ball into an empty in the 88th minute.

Spain dominated possession as expected but failed to create clear many opportunities at the Arena Gdansk.

Croatia could have reached the last eight with a victory but goalkeeper Iker Casillas made a pair of big saves in the second half to keep the score level. The Spain goalkeeper made a reflex save on Ivan Rakitic’s header in the 59th minute before punching out substitute Ivan Perisic’s low volley in the 79th.