Croatia vs Spain Preview & Tips - Draw tipped after 90 minutes

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 27 Jun 2021

Ralph Staniforth 27 Jun 2021

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Croatia vs Spain predictions for Monday’s Euro 2020 match
The Round of 16 clash is being played at Parken in Copenhagen (5pm BST)
Croatia are undefeated in 12 of their last 14 European Championship matches
Spain have drawn 6 of their last 10 matches in all competitions

Expired

Croatia have won 2 of their last 3 matches against Spain (Getty Images)

Croatia vs Spain Preview & Tips

Croatia have steadily improved as the tournament has worn on. Spain were poor to start but were superb in their final group match. I am looking at these teams requiring extra time to split them.

Croatia are undefeated in 5 of their last 7 matches (all competitions).
Croatia are undefeated in 12 of their last 14 matches (European Championship).
Croatia have drawn 3 of their last 6 matches (European Championship).
Croatia have won 2 of their last 3 matches against Spain (all competitions).
Spain are undefeated in their last 10 matches (all competitions).
Spain have drawn 6 of their last 10 matches (all competitions).

Head to Head

Spain have a 4-3 advantage against Croatia with one draw in eight matches.

They last met in the 2018 UEFA Nations League, Spain winning 6-0 in Elche and Croatia winning 3-2 in Zagreb.

Croatia Form

Croatia started Euro 2020 with a 1-0 defeat against England. It was a close match but they couldn’t click in attack.

Zlatko Dalić’s side struggled in the first half against the Czech Republic. They fell behind from the penalty spot with Ivan Perisic equalising just after half time in a 1-1 draw.

Croatia beat Scotland 3-1 to qualify for the knockout stages. Nikola Vlasic opened the scoring, Luka Modric restoring their lead with a spectacular strike before assisting Ivan Perisic in the 77th minute.

Croatia Team News

Goalkeepers: Lovre Kalinic, Dominik Livakovic, Simon Sluga

Defenders: Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Sime Vrsaljko, Borna Barisic, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Juranovic, Domagoj Bradaric, Mile Skoric, Josko Gvardiol

Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Badelj, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Ivanusec

Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Rebic, Josip Brekalo, Bruno Petkovic, Mislav Orsic, Ante Budimir

Borna Barisic competes with Josko Gvardiol for a starting spot at left back.

Andrej Kramaric will be hoping to start at the expense of Bruno Petkovic.

Ivan Perisic has tested positive for COVID-19 with Ante Rebic a chance to start on the wing.

Nikola Vlasic played well against Scotland in his first start of the competition and should keep his place in the starting side.

Spain Form

Spain are undefeated in their last 10 matches. They have won four of those with six draws.

Luis Enrique’s side started Euro 2020 with a 0-0 draw against Sweden. They had 85% possession and 17-4 shots but were wasteful up front.

La Roja then drew 1-1 against Poland, Gerard Moreno assisting Alvaro Morata for the opening goal but seeing his penalty hit the post after Poland had equalised.

Spain smashed Slovakia 5-0 in their final group game. Aymeric Laporte, Pablo Sarabia and Ferran Torres scored either side of two own goals as they had 66% possession and 9-0 shots on target.

Spain Team News

Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Robert Sánchez, Unai Simón

Defenders: César Azpilicueta, Diego Llorente, Pau Torres, Eric García, José Gayà, Jordi Alba, Aymeric Laporte

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (captain), Marcos Llorente, Koke (vice-captain), Thiago, Rodri, Fabián, Dani Olmo, Pedri

Forwards: Álvaro Morata, Gerard, Ferran Torres, Adama Traoré, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pablo Sarabia

Sergio Busquets came back into the starting side against Slovakia and should retain his spot here. César Azpilicueta is likely to continue at right back.

Luis Enrique started with Gerard Moreno, Pablo Sarabia and Álvaro Morata in the front three against Slovakia which could continue here.

Croatia vs Spain FAQ

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Verdict

Croatia v Spain

Croatia have a strong midfield that can match Spain. They will be looking to keep this tight and play on the counter attack. I am backing a draw at Euro 2020.