The two second-placed teams from Group D & E respectively face each other in the round of 16 evaluating their chance to be in the quarterfinals. Spain is hoping to make a fifth quarter final appearance in history while Croatia are looking for their third. The winners will meet France or Switzerland in the next stage.
Luis Enrique's men, at last, started converting shots into goals in a 5-0 mauling of Slovakia to throw away any speculations of getting eliminated in the group stages after frustrating draws in the first two games to Sweden and Poland. It was an important victory by an emphatic scoreline sending a message of warning to the rest of how good they actually are if chances are taken. Even if the strikers aren't scoring Enrique will be pleased for the rest of the group firing and putting in a decent shift. Therefore, a rejuvenated Spain wants to go far in the competition.
Croatia didn't play their best football but managed to finish second in Group B beneath England with four points. Losing to England on the opening matchday unsettled preparation before a hard earned point against Czech Republic meant they had to win on the last day versus the Scots. They got their job done. Captain Luka Modric was instrumental in the victory although it was Ivan Perisic's two goal and an assist and the leveler in the Czech Republic game made him the key contributor to Croatia's progress. Unfortunately, he is out after contracting the virus.
Croatia vs Spain Match Details
When: Monday, June 28th
Timings: 21:30 (IST)/ 18:30 (CET)
Where: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
Recent Form (Euro 2020) :
Croatia: LDW
Spain: DDW
CRO vs SPA Dream11 Team News :
Injuries & Suspensions :
The big blow for Croatia is that Ivan Perisic will miss the trip to Denmark after testing positive for Covid-19. He contributed to almost every Croatia goal in the group stages hence a major loss to Dalic's men. Perisic's tournament is almost over and he can only feature if Croatia make it to the final of Euro 2020. Josip Brekalo or Ante Rebic are his possible replacement for the game. The rest of the team has tested negative.
Spain had Covid scare of their own at the start tournament but since recalled Sergio Busquets to the starting eleven. The 32-year-old played a key part in La Roja's 5-0 demolition of Slovakia to qualify for his first game back. Luis Enrique is expected to field the same eleven that saw the victory with possibly Pau Torres replacing Eric Garcia at the back. Alvaro Morata will still lead the line having total faith from his manager even after missing from the spot in the last game and wasting big chances so far the Euro campaign.
Croatia vs Spain Predicted Lineups :
Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Josko Gvardiol, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Matteo Kovacic, Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic, Josip Brekalo
Spain: Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Jordi Alba, Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Koke, Pablo Sarabia, Alvaro Morata, Gerard Moreno
Croatia vs Spain Head to Head :
There have been eight clashes between the sides in total. Interestingly, the last four of those meetings came in a major competition. Both have shared two victories each in that period. Spain have the upper hand with 4 wins overall only just above Croatia (3 wins). These two have shared memorable games in their last two European Championship encounter with a late Jesus Navas strike uplifting eventual winners Spain's in the final group stage game of 2012 and a Ivan Perisic late winner, not involved this time, making Croatia the group winners in 2016.
CRO vs SPA Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Unai Simon (Gk)
DEF: Cesar Azpilicueta (Spa), Aymeric Laporte (Spa), Domagoj Vida (Cro), Jordi Alba (Spa)
MID: Luka Modric (Cro), Sergio Busquets (Spa), Koke (Spa), Pablo Sarabia (Spa), Nikola Vlasic (Cro)
FW: Bruno Petkovic (Cro)
The introduction of Sergio Busquets after his recovery from Covid in the midfield brought Spain to their usual self in demolishing Slovakia. He will be influential in this knockout tie too. Luka Modric's stunner against Scotland proved crucial for Croatia's path to victory and the 2018 Balon d'Or winner is ready to provide leadership in crucial stages again. Pablo Sarabia impressed on the right after giving the start against Slovakia and his runs and interchanges proved difficult to handle. He scored a goal and delivered an assist in a fine individual performance. The forward have struggled whether it's Spain or Croatia. For La Roja Morata has been wasteful so it's not better not to keep him at the moment. Nikola Vlasic for Croatia can do the trick instead.
Match Prediction: Croatia 1-2 Spain
Recent Euro history has proven both sides pretty even. However, it seems Spain will just edge the 2018 World Cup finalist. Even though both sides are finding deficiency in tucking away chances through a target man, Spain's goal source from almost over the pitch is a key factor for them. Croatia's main power lies in midfield but Spain's strength in that sector is also high. In spite of Croatia putting up a good fight, Spain are destined for the quarter final stage.
To check regular updates stay tuned to Euro 2020
