Croatia vs Spain: EURO 2016 Group D Preview & Prediction

Croatia will play Spain in their final group stage fixture at the Stade de Bordeaux on Tuesday evening as they look to guarantee a place in the knockout stages.

Having squandered the chance to progress from the group stages in their previous game after surrendering a 2-0 lead against the Czech Republic, the Croatians will be keen to go that one step further against the holders, who look like they mean business.

La Roja’s emphatic 3-0 win over Turkey extended their unbeaten run at the European Championship finals to 14 matches (W11, D3) and they have conceded just one goal in their last 18 hours and 18 minutes of football at the tournament.

Those who particularly impressed during the second game included the likes of Nolito, Alvaro Morato, David Silva and Andres Iniesta.

In Saint-Etienne, Croatia let a 2-0 lead slide against the Czechs as Pavel Vrba’s side battled back from two goals down to earn a point. Ante Cacic’s men, however, were extremely impressive and Real Madrid’s Luka Modric dictated the game for large periods of play.

Following this and a 1-0 victory against Turkey, a point for Croatia would be enough to see them progress to the next round. Should the Czechs fail to beat Turkey in the group’s other match, they will still finish at least second regardless of their own result.

Spain, meanwhile, will go into this game having already qualified for the last 16 following back-to-back victories. Vicente del Bosque’s men will cement their place at the top of Group D as long as they do not lose to Croatia.

These two teams last met in the group stages of Euro 2012 as Spain headed to European glory. They defeated a Croatian side, led by current West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, 1-0 thanks to a strike from Manchester City’s Jesus Navas.

In their last five encounters between the two nations, Spain have defeated the Croats three times and have only suffered defeat once. This came in an international friendly back in 1994 when now President of the Croatian Football Federation, Davor Suker, scored the winning goal.

Luka Modric is doubt for the clash with Spain because of a groin injury. Photo: Presse Sports / Offside

Team News:

Going into this game, Croatia will be sweating over the fitness of Luka Modric. The midfield superstar dominated the play against the Czech Republic but picked up a groin injury during the second half and is rated as doubtful, while Vedran Corluka could also miss out after aggravating a head wound against the Czechs.

La Roja have strength in depth and no new injury worries. Having already qualified, they may look to rest some players with those in contention for places including Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and Atletico Madrid’s Koke, while Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos could be rested as he is on a booking.

FIFA World Ranking: Croatia – 27th; Spain – 6th
Best European Championship Finish: Croatia – Quarter-Finals (1996, 2008); Spain – Winners (1964, 2008, 2012)
Previous Meeting: Croatia 0-1 Spain (June 18, 2012 – Euro 2012 Group Stage)
Form: Croatia – WDWWWD; Spain – DWWLWW
Key Men: Croatia – Ivan Rakitic; Spain – Alvaro Morata
Shoot Says: Croatia 1-2 Spain