Andres Iniesta wanted to take the penalty that would have secured Spain top spot in Group D, but captain Sergio Ramos overruled him, before missing it himself.
With the score at 1-1, Iniesta, Spain's stand-out performer in the tournament so far, had intended to step up after David Silva was awarded the spot-kick.
But Ramos had the confidence to take it instead, and saw his effort saved, before Croatia scored a second goal of their own to qualify above the Spaniards at the top of the group.
Andres Iniesta says he was set to take Spain's penalty against Croatia before being overruled by his captain
Sergio Ramos stepped up to take the spot-kick himself, with the two sides level at 1-1 in the Group D clash
Ramos failed to take the opportunity to put his side ahead, firing straight at Danijel Subasic who saved
'I was going to take it, but Ramos was confident and only the one who takes it can miss,' Iniesta told the Spanish press.
'The confidence is entirely in whoever wants to take it. We had the misfortune of missing.
'These things happen and now we have to continue to prepare for the game against Italy with the aim of going as far as possible.'
The failure to avoid defeat against Croatia means Spain will now be in the tougher half of the draw, with a potential quarter-final against Germany, and a possible semi against hosts France between them and a third consecutive title.
The penalty was awarded when David Silva went down in the box following the slightest contact
Spain went on to lose and finish second in the group, but Iniesta insists it will not be a major problem for them
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