Croatia vs Spain
Croatia vs Spain takes place on June 28 at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen in the round of 16 of Euro2020. Croatia qualified for the knockout stages by finishing as runners up in Group D, while Spain were runners up in Group E. The match provides one of the more intriguing match-ups in the round of 16 between two teams known for their technical ability. Read on for more analysis, match predictions and betting tips.
Form
Croatia cantered into the knockout stages following a resounding win against Scotland in Glasgow that ensured they finished in second place in Group D behind England. Skipper Luka Modric rolled back the years with an outstanding finish to put Croatia 2-1 up while Internazionale left winger Ivan Perisic scored his second of the tournament late on to totally break Scottish hearts. It was only Croatia’s third win this calendar year and only their fifth win in 16 international matches.
Spain roared into the final round with a 5-0 demolition of Slovakia in Seville that ensured they finished as Group E runners-up. Ahead 2-0 at half time thanks to a horrific own goal from Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka that saw him punch the ball into his own net as well as Aymeric Laporte’s first international goal, Spain went on to match the record for a win in the European Championship finals. Ferran Torres made his case to start for Spain scoring with practically his first touch while PSG attacking midfielder Pablo Sarabia scored his second goal in Spanish colours in his first start of the tournament. Spain head coach Luis Enrique now has some intriguing decisions to make on who to start for this fixture.
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Injuries
Former Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren definitely misses out due to suspension after picking up a second yellow card in the game against Scotland. He could be replaced by Duje Caleta-Car who filled in for him in Croatia’s first game when Lovren was injured. Rangers full back Borna Barisic is now back to full fitness after coming on as sub against Scotland but he faces a fight to dislodge RB Leipzig teenager Josko Gvardiol who has impressed in his place.
Although Spain have no injuries within their squad, manager Luis Enrique has questions over who to play in attack. Juventus forward Alvaro Morata has talked of the threats he and his family have received from fans in what has been a difficult tournament for him. After missing a host of chances against Poland in the opening game he missed a penalty with the scores at 0-0 vs Slovakia and there is a big question over whether he will play in this fixture. Man City forward Ferran Torres could be restored to the lineup, while Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal is another option.
Match Predictions
Spain are favourites for this game with the bookies at 1.60, which isn’t that surprising bearing in mind the strength of these two teams on paper. It was only three years ago that Spain spanked Croatia 6-0 in Spain in the Nations League, and while Croatia did win the return leg 3-2 there is no doubt that this Croatia team is not the force it once was. Both teams play a tika-taka style and it might be that the goals market is the place to look for betting tips.
