Spain prepare for Round of 16 clash against Croatia
The Spanish national team train ahead their Round of 16 game against Croatia.
Croatia vs Spain: Line-ups
Croatia
Spain
Spain Have the Edge to Overcome Croatia
#1
Dalic’s team, as mentioned, reached the final of the 2018 World Cup, but their record at the European Championship is underwhelming, having failed to progress past the quarter-final stage.
#2
Despite a strong performance against Scotland, it is difficult to imagine the Blazers seriously challenging for the trophy, as they could meet favourites France in the quarter-finals before potentially tackling Belgium or Italy in the semi-finals, having been placed in the more difficult side of the draw.
#3
Spain opened their tournament with a goalless draw against Sweden on June 14 before being held to a 1-1 draw by Poland five days later, as Robert Lewandowski cancelled out an effort from Alvaro Morata, which left the three-time winners facing the possibility of elimination in the group stage.
#4
A five-star display against Slovakia arrived on June 23, though, with Aymeric Laporte, Pablo Sarabia and Ferran Torres on the scoresheet, while two own goals also helped Enrique’s team.
#5
La Roja are bidding to win a fourth European Championship, which would make them the most successful team in the history of the tournament. As it stands, they are level on three trophies with Germany, having triumphed in the 1964, 2008 and 2012 editions of the famous competition.
DPP Verdict
Croatia are more than capable of making this a very difficult match for Spain, and it could be a close contest. Aside from the Scotland clash, though, Croatia have struggled to perform this summer, and Spain should have just enough to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.
