This Group D match looks to be one of the best in Euro 2016 so far. The winner of this match will top the group and get an easier fixture in the next round. Spain are still yet to be defeated in a match in the European Championships since 2004, and are priced at evens for a victory this evening. Croatia looked to be cruising against Czech Republic, until the game had to be suspended due to crowd trouble.
Spain narrowly defeated the Czechs in their first game, having to wait until the 87th minute before making the breakthrough. However, they looked much more at ease in their 3-0 victory over Turkey. Alvaro Morata scored twice in that game, and he’s backed at 5/1 to score first again tonight. Spain’s record in the Euros is quite outstanding. Aside from not losing since 2014, it’s been 690 minutes since they last conceded a goal, dating back to the first game of Euro 2012 where Antonio Di Natale scored in a game that ended as a 1-1 draw. Odds of a Spanish win with a clean sheet are 8/5, but their defensive record will be tested tonight against a strong Croatian attacking unit. Vicente Del Bosque could rotate his side, and Sergio Ramos could be one to make way as he’s just one yellow card away from a suspension. However, if he does start, Spain are priced at 6/5 to receive the first booking.
A Croatian victory tonight would see them top the group and lay down a big marker in the competition to other sides. However, they’ll have to do it without star midfielder Luka Modric, who looked set to be one of the stars of the tournament before he was forced off against Czech Republic with a groin injury. They’ve won just 1 of their 5 games with Spain, and at 15/4, they look to be outsiders again. They’ve had 20 more shots than anyone else in Euro 2016, yet have produced just one goal more. Mario Mandzukic is their star striker and looks to have a height advantage over the Spanish defence. He’s yet to score in the tournament so far, but at 16/5, he’ll look to get on the end of a cross from a set piece.
Match Prediction
The two sides met during the group stage of Euro 2012, where Jesus Navas scored an 88th minute goal to give Spain a 1-0 win. Navas isn’t at the Euros this year, but a Spanish 1-0 win is priced at 17/4. This game promises more goals though, as both sides are impressive going forward. Get both teams to score at 13/10, whilst a 3-2 Spanish win is priced at 38/1.
