Cesar Azpilicueta is not a regular goalscorer but when he does find the net, it’s often at crucial moments. That was certainly the case on Monday when he opened his Spain account.
Ten minutes into the second half, with Luis Enrique’s side locked at 1-1 with Croatia, Azpilicueta advanced from right-back into the centre of midfield before working the ball to his left and continuing his run.
When the cross from Ferran Torres was swung over, there was Azpi showing predatory instincts and a striker’s finish, powerfully heading into the net from six yards out. From the emotion etched on his face, you could tell how much the goal meant.
‘I was thinking of my wife and children,’ he said.
‘It was also my daughter's birthday the next day. So it was a good time to celebrate! As a defender it is not very common to score.
‘We know what it means to represent your country,’ added Azpilicueta. ‘It is always a proud moment. We have suffered and fought a lot to be here.
‘So to score my first goal with the Spanish national team is special. Even more so for a defender. And even more so to do it in the European Championship! I was very happy.’
His first task today is stopping a Switzerland side that consistently threatened against France in knocking them out, but if the opportunity to get forward presents itself again, don’t rule out our skipper doubling his international goals tally.