Spain finally make their mark after their thumping win over Slovakia. They face Croatia in the Round of 16 on Monday. Croatia and Spain both made slow starts to the tournament. But there is a sense they are warming up nicely as both teams would want to move further ahead in the tournament.
Croatia
Croatia also left it late to secure their qualification. They took only 1 point from their opening two matches; a 1-0 loss to England and a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. The influential skipper Luka Modric dictating the play from midfield, Croatia turned in their best performance last time out when beating Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park to secure second place in group D.
Tactics
To partner Modric, Croatia have Ivan Perisic; who has two goals in the tournament and Nikola Vlasic who netted the opener against the Scots. Both pose real threats in the final third of the game. Croatia appeared more concerned with keeping their opponents out. But Zlatko Dalic’s side will need to go on the offensive at some point and that should play into Spain’s hands making for a more open game the longer it goes on. The experiment with Ante Rebić as a lone striker and Andrej Kramarić on the right wing did not work. Dalić will pick between Bruno Petković and Kramarić as the central spearhead alongside Perišić.
The other change will probably happen in midfield; Dalić needs to go with more attacking options against the Spaniards, which is why he is likely to bring in Nikola Vlašić. Modrić became the older player to score for Croatia in a major tournament. He gave an excellent performance; 115 touches (most), 98 passes (most), 2 shots, 1 interception, 1 clearance, 1 chance created, 1 take-on completed, 1 assist, 1 goal.
Predicted XI
4-2-3-1: Livaković; Juranović; Vida, Ćaleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Vlašić; Perišić, Petković
Spain
Luis Enrique’s side had flattered to deceive in their opening two group games. They were held to a stalemate by Sweden in their opening game. Then a 1-1 draw by Poland in their second. Spain roared into life at Euro 2020 with 5-0 hammering of Slovakia in their final group game. But they finished second in Group E behind Sweden.
Tactics
Spain might have come ahead in their game with Slovakia. But their woes in front of goal would continue as Alvaro Morata missed a penalty. Spain striker Alvaro Morata has not always hit the heights expected of him. But he got off the mark against Poland in the second group game. Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno is another option up front for Luis Enrique. With return of Busquets, Spain seemed to be much more formidable in the center.
Cesar Azpilicueta is a slight doubt with a calf injury. But if he is fit Luis Enrique is likely to stick with an unchanged side. The likes of Ferran Torres and Thiago Alcantara having to settle for places among the substitutes. The defence is likely to stay the same. Pedri would want to score goals to get ahead of the stubborn Croatian defense. The 18 year old midfielder produced splendid numbers against Slovakia; 100% take-ons completed, 100% through ball success, 70 touches, 7 ball recoveries, 7 passes into the box, 6 passes in the final third, 4 duels won, 2 fouls won, 1 tackle made, 1 interception, 1 chance created.
Predicted XI
4-3-3: Unai Simón; Azpilicueta, Eric García, Laporte, Jordi Alba; Koke, Busquets, Pedri; Gerard Moreno, Morata, Sarabia
