Subasic thanks Modric for penalty advice vs. Spain

Luka Modric played a major role from the bench during a decisive moment in Croatia's 2-1 victory over Spain on Tuesday.

The two sides were engaged in an intense battle for the top spot in Group D when the match official awarded a penalty to Spain with the game tied 1-1 in the second half.

With the defending champions poised to grab the lead, Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic revealed that Modric, who was ruled out of the contest due to a groin injury, sent a message to Darijo Srna regarding Sergio Ramos and which direction the Spanish defender would shoot before making a dramatic save.

"The captain Darijo Srna came and told me that Luka Modric said he would hit it to my right side," Subasic told BeIN Sport, as translated by ESPNFC. "I waited, I dived to my right and I saved it. So thanks to Modric and the captain."

Related - Watch: Goalkeeper encroachment helps deny Ramos' penalty

Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets appeared to notice the ploy, and whispered into Ramos' ear to make the centre-back aware of what his Real Madrid teammate had done from the sidelines.

Yet, combined with some obvious goalkeeper encroachment, Ramos was unable to convert and Spain eventually conceded late to lose the match.

Related - Ramos on Spain's path to final: Now we dance with the favourites