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Let’s get down to business. The knockout matches begin with the round of 16. We’ll focus on the clash between Croatia and Spain -two teams that struggled in the group matches.
Match info, statics and live score
Before the Match: Croatia vs Spain
Croatia (Group D)
Croatia qualified, albeit with difficulty, for the last 16 thanks to their victory over Scotland on the last day of the group stage. In a group composed of England, the Czech Republic and Scotland, the former world champions had every challenge possible to get out of it.
A defeat in the opening match against England (1-0), a disappointing draw against the Czech Republic (1-1) and a hard-fought victory against Scotland. That’s the story of Croatia’s chaotic journey.
Spain (Group E)
What a disappointment! In a group that should have been easily within their reach, the Spaniards had all the trouble in the world to get out of it by conceding two draws against Sweden and Poland. With only two points, victory over Slovakia was imperative to qualify. It is therefore with experience that La Roja succeeded but it was complicated.
Match Analysis: Croatia vs Spain
Croatia: The rise to power?
We expected more from Croatia, but they got the job done with this qualification. Apart from the draw against the Czech Republic, which looked like a defeat, the former world champions are in their rightful place with this second place in the group. Every knockout match is different and a new competition begins. For the Croatians, is this a good way to step up and repeat the feat of 2018?
Spain’s hot streak
What was it about Spain that troubled them? In a well-matched group, La Roja waited until the final day, during their match against Slovakia, to qualify for the next round. Luis Enrique’s men are unrecognisable but we know the quality of this team and against Croatia, they will undoubtedly finally activate the competition mode.
Latest matches between Croatia and Spain
The two nations have faced each other many times in recent years. In fact, they were in the same group at Euro 2016. Their last two clashes took place in the Nations League.
- 15/11/18 – Croatia 3 – 2 Spain
- 11/09/18 – Spain 6 – 0 Croatia
- 21/06/16 – Croatia 2 – 1 Spain
Croatia and Spain’s Squads
The Croatian team is complete and will approach its round of 16 serenely by preparing with its usual 4-2-3-1 that has proven itself many times. Their midfield, which is so valuable, will probably be replaced by captain Luka Modric.
Despite Spain’s lack of attacking efficiency, Morata and Moreno should be paired up at the top of the attack. In midfield, Thiago could be a useful addition.
Probable Line-ups: Croatia vs Spain
Find out the probable line-ups of both teams for this Euro 2021 Round of 16 clash:
Likely Line-up for Croatia 🇭🇷 (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeepers: Livakovic
- Defenders: Gvardiol – Lovren – Vida – Vrsjalko
- Midfielders: Kovacic – Modric – Brozovic
- Forwards: Vlasic – Rebic – Perzovic Vlasic – Rebic – Perisic
Likely Line-up for Spain 🇪🇸 (4-3-3)
- Goalkeepers: Simon
- Defenders: Alba – Garcia – Laporte – Llorente
- Midfielders: Pedri – Thiago – Rodri
- Forwards: Olmo – Morata – Moreno Olmo – Morata – Moreno
