Spain faces a stern Croatian test in their Round of 16 matches at the EURO 2020. The Spanish team will ride on the confidence from their excellent 5-0 win over Slovakia ahead of the game. Croatia too will be very eager to upset the 2010 World Cup winners. Ahead of a much-anticipated kickoff, we take a look at the top five things to look out for in the match.
History of the Rivalry
The two sides faced each other eight times in the past, with the first game being played on 23rd December 1994. The game ended in a 2-0 victory for the Checkered Ones. The records between the teams have been fairly even. Spain enjoys slight supremacy, winning four of the eight encounters. On the other hand, Croatia won three times, with the only draw coming at the start of the century back in the year 2000.
Both teams last met in the UEFA Nations league in 2018. Croatia won the thriller with a 3-2 scoresheet. Defender Tin Jedvaj’s brace powered the World Cup runners to a famous win. However, a few weeks ahead of that match in September, the same year, Spain ran havoc against Croatia for a thumping 6-0 victory.
Five things to watch out
- Spain’s 5-0 win in their last game against Slovakia will serve as a big confidence booster for the Spanish Players. However, their campaign in the EURO has been dotted with missed opportunities. Croatia too will be riding on their own confidences following a 3-1 win en-route to the knockouts. Both their wingers found the back of the net against Scotland in the last game of the group stages
- Spain is undefeated in the tournament and that will serve a major role in the buildup to the game. Croatia, on the other side, lost their opening match against England. The Blazers will always keep that in the back of their heads walking down the tunnel. Hence, Spanish players edge the Blazers in the mental game ahead of the kickoff.
- Sergio Busquet’s return has strengthened the Spanish midfield and the results are quite visible. However, he will be up against Luka Modric, who is also his rival in the club levels for Real Madrid. Although early, one easily can predict that whoever controls the midfield will control the game as well.
- Ferran Torres and Thiago Alcantara are both expected to miss out on positions in the first XI despite impressing off the bench against Slovakia. Pablo Sarabia might start at a more attacking position after his blistering performances against Slovakia.
- The defence will be a cause of concern for Croatia. The Blazers are yet to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches Spain, on the other side, conceded only once in their three group stage matches.
Also Read: EURO 2020: Belgium vs Portugal – 5 Things to look out for
Key Battles
- Luka Modric vs Sergio Busquets
Two of them form the heart of the midfield for their respective nations and also captain the teams. Both share a rivalry at the club level and knows each other’s game in details. Modric scored a stunner in Croatia’s last win over Scotland. Busquets however missed the opening game of the European Championships. As mentioned earlier, it will be a midfield battle to watch out for.
- Pau Torres vs Ivan Perišić
Pau has been rock solid for both his club and the country. He has been the main defensive mainstay for Spain in the tournament Perisic, on the other hand, is Croatia’s most inform forward. The Inter Milan forward even scored in their 3-1 victory in the last match. It will be an interesting battle between the forward and the defender in the upcoming match.
Author’s Take
The game is evenly poised between both sides. Spain will be banking on their youngsters whereas Croatia rides on the performances from their heavily experienced players. Although Spain has a slight advantage on paper, conditions on the pitch might even take a turn for the Blazers. All in all, the match promises to be a thriller.
Follow Football Monk on Instagram and join our community on Telegram.