Both nations finished the group phase with their first wins in the competition and this should make for a competitive affair between Spain and Croatia as they look to progress into the quarters.
European Championship 2020
Date: 28/06/2021
Kickoff: 17:00
Venue: Parken Stadium
Croatia made it through to the next round by defeating Scotland 3-1 in what was their first win of the competition.
Against the Scots, they looked more like the side that made a run to the 2018 World Cup final against Scotland but one might argue they were the weakest team in that group. They might not be able to keep up that same level of intensity against a Spain team that won’t let them see much of the ball. Croatia are yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament and go up against a Spain that has now seemed to find their finishing touch back.
Spain dominated their final group game against Slovakia and took a more than convincing 5-0 win and just like Croatia, it was also their first win of Euro 2020.
Thus, the victory helped them secure a second place finish in their group. Yet, far more is expected from this Spanish side and now that they have a morale-boosting win to go with, they are expected to cause Croatia lots of problems. If Spain can settle into a rhythm early on, they should have little or no problems against Croatia.
Team news
Croatia
Dejan Lovren will sit this game out after he accumulated too many yellow cards.
Spain
Luis Enrique’s side is fully fit and have no suspensions to worry about.
Team form
Croatia’s last five games: DLLDW
Spain’s last five games: DWDDW
Match stats
Croatia have failed to beat any team currently ranked in FIFA’s top ten since that 3-2 win over Spain in 2018.
Spain are now unbeaten in 11 games (W5 D6) and have yet to concede before halftime in any of their previous six matches.
Betting tips
Spain finally found their finishing boots for the game against Slovakia, blowing their opponents away by five goals to nil. Spain have picked up four wins from their last seven encounters with Croatia and perhaps should have enough to see them off inside 90 minutes.
Croatia have only managed to win one of their last five international matches, while Spain are unbeaten in their last 11 fixtures. It could be anyone’s game at this stage really but let’s back Spain to win at 4/7 odds.
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Odds subject to change – 18+|BeGambleAware.org – Please gamble responsibly
