Kick-off: 1700, 28/06/2021
Stadium: Parken Stadium
TV: ITV
Spain’s supporters will feel they made a statement of intent when thrashing Slovakia at Euro 2020 but Croatia are a different proposition.
The World Cup finalists may have an ageing side in some departments but they are organised and capable of striking on the counter-attack.
We feel 13/10 for the Blazers to avoid defeat in normal time is fair value for our first Croatia vs Spain prediction.
A Look At Croatia’s Betting Odds
Croatia were second best when beaten 1-0 by England at Wembley and then had to settle for a point in a 1-1 stalemate with the Czech Republic.
However, everything came good in a convincing 3-1 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park that clinched second place in Group D.
A Callum McGregor strike approaching half-time cancelled out Nikola Vlasic’s 17th-minute opener but two old favourites came to the fore after the interval.
Captain Luka Modric restored Croatia’s lead with a stunning strike just following the hour mark before Ivan Perisic headed in a third in the 77th minute.
Scotland defender Scott McKenna commented: “We had some chances but ultimately their quality got the better of us, in the end.
“I think we probably lacked a bit of experience. Croatia are a team who have been on this stage many times before.
“They probably showed that better than us, knowing how to manage the game, getting the goals at the right time.”
Experience runs throughout this team, so they should not get flustered if Spain dominate possession.
Looking at the 14/5 for extra-time to be required.
A Look At Spain’s Betting Odds
Spain left themselves with some work to do after drawing 0-0 with Sweden and then 1-1 versus Poland on home turf.
La Roja got their act together when it mattered most, though, thrashing Slovakia 5-0 in Seville.
However, it wouldn’t be churlish to suggest their final group-stage opponents contributed to their own downfall.
Martin Dubravka embarrassingly palmed the 30th-minute opener into his own net while an own goal from Juraj Kucka completed the scoring.
In between, Aymeric Laporte, Pablo Sarabia and Ferran Torres were on target to ease the pressure on Luis Enrique.
The manager is aware more will be needed in the knockout rounds, though, stating: “Croatia are a top team with players we know well.
“It’s going to be a tough match but when you get through to the last 16, you can’t expect to play easy teams.
“We will now prepare with plenty of confidence and we are desperate for Monday to come around.”
To be fair, Manchester City forward Torres has looked a threat during this event, so a saver on him to score at any time at 12/5 is added to our Croatia vs Spain betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
CROATIA 3-1 Scotland – Vlasic, Modric, Perisic
Slovakia 0-5 SPAIN – Dubravka (og), Laporte, Sarabia, Torres, Kucka (og)
Head-to-head: Croatia 3-2 Spain, Spain 6-0 Croatia, Croatia 2-1 Spain, Croatia 0-1 Spain
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