Croatia – Spain

Croatia and Spain will fight for the first place in Group D, with the Spanish side currently having 2 points in front of their opponents. Croatia also needs a draw to make sure they at least secure the second place.

The Croatians started Euro 2016 with a solid 1-0 win over Turkey and looked on track to make it 2 out of 2, as they led Czech Republic 2-0, but were equalized late in a dramatic match, in which there were also problems with the Croatian fans. It wasn`t a good sign for Croatia to lose focus that way and lose a 2-0 advantage, but on the bright side it was the 14th match without a loss from the last 15.

Spain wasn`t that great in the first match, looking passive and without any sharpness up front in a late 1-0 win over the Czech Republic. The Furia Roja looked much better in the second match, a 3-0 win over Turkey, but their opponents were dirt poor in that match, so it`s still difficult to evaluate the Spanish side. One thing is for certain, they play the same style that made them famous, dominating possession and passing the ball along the width of the pitch, but they now lack the finishing touch they had in the past with David Villa or Fernando Torres.

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Team news & lineups:

Modric is highly doubtful for Croatia and he will very likely be left out. Spain will miss Pedro and Ramos could be rested, as he is danger of being suspended. Del Bosque might give a couple of substitutes like Casillas, Bartra, Bellerin or Aduriz a run in the starting lineup.

Croatia: Subasic – Srna, Corluka, Vida, Strinic – Badelj, Brozovic – Perisic, Rakitic, Kovacic – Mandzukic

Spain: Casillas – Bellerin, Pique, Bartra, Alba – Busquets Iniesta, Koke – Nolito, Aduriz, Silva

This should be a close game between two fine teams, which might both be satisfied with the draw. We know how passive Spain can be, passing the ball around without really putting the opposing goal in danger – against a team like Croatia it will be that much harder for them to create chances.

As for the Croatians, it`s safe to assume they worked hard in training on the defensive end after allowing those 2 late goals from Czech Republic. They will probably sit in their own half of the pitch, conceding most of the possession, trying to deny Spain any open lanes towards goal and hoping to create danger on transition when they get the ball themselves.

I don`t expect many fireworks here, there`s no reason for either side to take risks, especially early. I can see a 0-0 score happening at half time and I would not be shocked if this match will end goalless. My tip is 0:0 at half time. Prediction: Croatia – Spain 0-0.

Pick: Half time score 0:0
Odds: 2.38 @ William Hill
Stake: 5
Possible profit: 6.90
Event date: 21 June