It will be the clash to secure top position in Group D as Croatia hopes to disrupt Spain’s winning ways to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition.
The clash against the Czech Republic was drama filled with a select few Croatian fans throwing flares onto the pitch which not only stopped the play but also disrupted the momentum and disrupted the Croatian squad’s focus.
UEFA has since fined the Croatian Football Federation £77,000 for the fans’ behaviour and will increase security in and around the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux. Coach Ante Cacic’s men will look to put the drama behind them and focus on the force that is Spain.
The Spaniards have already qualified yet the Croatians need only a draw with the reigning champions to secure their progression. However a win will see them bypass La Roja and clinch the top position.
Key Battle – Ivan Rakitic vs Sergio Busquets
In the absence of Luka Modric, Rakitic becomes crucially important.
Croatia will be in need of the defensive and attacking services of the Barcelona star and Busquets will have to find a way to stop him in his tracks.
Rakitic’s current position as a free role behind Mario Mandzukic works in line with his particular skill set. In addition to Busquets, the Spanish back line must pay attention to the threat he poses.
Team News
Star midfielder Modric is unlikely to play for the Croatians after sustaining a knee injury during the draw with the Czechs.
His replacement is likely to be fellow Real Madrid team mate Mateo Kovacic. It is unclear if centre-back Vedran Corluka will miss the clash after the head clash in the previous match resulted in stitches for the 30-year-old. However both Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic are expected to shake off knocks.
Spain have no injury concerns but may be tempted to rest midfielder Andres Iniesta with qualification already confirmed, however finishing top of Group D will be the focus for the squad.
Head-to-Head
This will be the sixth meeting between the teams with La Roja winning three of the previous five encounters and the Croatians winning only once.
Their victory dates back to 1994 where the scoreline was 2-0, but since then, the Croatians have only managed two goals in four games against the Spaniards.
Indeed Croatia have only lost one of their last eight group games in the European Championships with the side only failing to score once in their previous 11 games in the tournament, which was against the Spaniards in 2012.
Previous Meeting
The last meeting between the two sides was ironically in the 2012 European Championships where an 88th-minute goal by Jesus Navas was enough for Spain to overcome the Croatians.
Indeed this Spanish side is slightly altered from the previous competition, but the squad has the advantage of having most of its players play together at club level. La Roja’s experience as a group is exceptional with every individual understanding the play of the other.
Croatia too boast a different looking side to that of 2012 as Cacic included a good mix of youth and experience in the hopes of further building the side for future competitions. Indeed they already appear to have a strong attack with midfielders such as Perisic also finding rhythm in the final third.
Prediction
It would be difficult not to acknowledge the quality of the experienced Spanish side that is unbeaten in 14 matches at the European Championships. Under the watchful gaze of coach Vincente Del Bosque, La Roja have not conceded a goal in 690 minutes of play.
Hence Croatia must get the early advantage in order to have the best possible chance of winning. They must not just enter the match with the hope of draw but must aim for a victory. Indeed if they play the same way they did in the first half against the Czechs, Spain will have a battle on their hands.
An entertaining affair in any case.
Croatia 1 Spain 2
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