Euro 2016 – Three Key Talking Points – Croatia vs Spain

Euro 2016 – Three Key Talking Points – Croatia vs Spain

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Top spot in Group D is up for grabs as two of the tournament’s best teams – Spain and Croatia – go head to head in Bordeaux.

The Spanish enter the match with a perfect record thus far having defeated the Czech Republic 1-0 and Turkey 3-0.

Croatia let a two-goal lead slip last time out, drawing 2-2 with the Czechs, while a Luka Modric wonder strike separated them and Turkey on matchday one.

Put everything into a win or relax and rest up

Spain have already qualified for the knockout stages and the Croatians also look a certainty. With that in mind, both Vincente Del Bosque and Ante Cacic will have to decide whether to send their teams out to make a statement win or rest key players for the next round.

One of the key factors will be the draw for the next round, which will see the winner of Group D on the ‘easier’ side of the bracket.

To reach the final, the runners-up in Group D will likely have to go through Italy, Germany and France, so topping the group should be of the utmost importance to both sides.

Can Croatia do it without Modric?

Croatia have been one of the surprise packets of this tournament thus far. Their fluid passing and tactical intelligence have been at times undeniable and they boast one of Europe’s best midfields.

Missing against Spain though will be their main midfield cog – Luka Modric. The Real Madrid talisman picked up a thigh injury against the Czechs and Cacic has confirmed that he will play no part in this match.

Croatia Training Session - UEFA Euro 2016
Modric will sit out against Spain

Outside of losing their best player, Croatia have lost their most important midfield cog, and the one this side is built around. By his side has been Ivan Rakitic, who is no slouch, but the loss of Modric will surely mean he must take this team on his back if they are to get past the Spaniards.

So much of what Croatia has done well is built around Modric and it will be a true test of the team mentality to succeed without him.

How many changes for Spain?

The Spanish were undeniable against Turkey. With Andres Iniesta pulling the strings in midfield and the front trident of Nolito, David Silva and Alvaro Morata all hitting form simultaneously, the reigning Euro champions put on a display worthy of that title.

With qualification confirmed, and even with one eye on the draw, Del Bosque will likely make changes to his first XI – but how many? Within his squad, he could change the whole team and still put out one that could topple Croatia but look for at most five changes.

Iker Casillas may get a starting role between the sticks with Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin lining up in defence ahead of him, in place of Juanfran.

Both Bruno Soriano and Koke were substitutes against the Turks and may feature from the beginning in a midfield three with Iniesta, while either one or both of Pedro and Lucas Vazquez will see time in the forward positions.

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