Group D runner-up Croatia will face Group E runner-up Spain at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen in a crucial Round of 16 fixture at the 2020 UEFA European Championship.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup finalists Croatia started the tournament with two consecutive unwanted results as they lost 1-0 to England before drawing 1-1 with the Czech Republic. A 3-1 win against Scotland rescued the Euro 2020 campaign for the Croats as they fixed a meeting with the 2008 and 2012 Euros Champions Spain by finishing second in Group D.
La Furia Roja drew their first two matches 0-0 and 1-1 against Sweden and Poland, respectively. They bounced back with a 5-0 win against Slovakia, which helped them secured the second spot in Group E behind group winners Sweden. Luis Enrique’s men are still not considered favourites to win the tournament, with other teams like Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, etc., performing at their best from the first match.
In eight matches between the two nations, Spain has a slight upper hand in the head-to-head record as they have 4 wins compared to Croatia’s 3 wins with only one match ending as a draw in February 2000. Croatia has the upper hand in the last three matches though as the Croats have won 2 matches and lost a solitary game, with one of the victories coming in the 2016 Euros.
Team News
Croatia manager Zatko Dalic would not be able to use Dejan Lovren in the heart of the defence after the former Liverpool defender picked up two yellow cards in the group stage. The midfield duo of Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic have picked up a yellow card each, and Dalic would be concerned about the duo’s availability for the quarter-final if Croatia makes it to that stage.
Spain welcomed back Sergio Busquets and Cezar Azpilicueta in the 5-0 win thrashing of Slovakia, and the duo are set to retain their place for the ‘Round of 16’ clash.
The key trio of Pau Torress, Jordi Alba, and Busquets have picked up a single yellow card in the group stage. Enrique would be eager to see the trio avoid any bookings against Croatia might see them get suspended from the quarter-final if they win.
Key Players
Ivan Perisic turns on his most ferocious form when representing Croatia and it is a puzzle why the 32-year old winger is not as effective when representing his club. The former Bayern Munich man would be up against Azpilicueta in an interesting battle on the field.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is turning out at his last Euros and the 35-year old midfielder struck home a beautiful goal against Scotland and would be looking to do more of the same against Spain.
Most Spanish fans would have expected Pedri to sit on the bench for most of the tournament, but the Barcelona midfielder has emerged as an influential figure in Enrique’s set-up. The teenager would face his toughest challenge in Euro 2020 against the experienced midfield of Croatia.
Prediction
There is enough talent in the Croatian squad to trouble the Spanish team, and Dalic’s men could come out on top against Spain if the likes of Perisic, Modric, Kovacic, and Rebic perform at their best in Copenhagen.
Champions of two of the last three editions, the Spain squad is not as mighty as it once was, but with Busquets available again in midfield, La Roja could dominate Croatia on Monday.
