Spain face a stern test in their UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 tie, as they take on Croatia at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Monday, June 28.
It took La Roja until the very last group stage game to make their presence felt as the three-time Euro champions burst to life with a 5-0 win over Slovakia. Croatia, on the other hand, left it late too. After losing their opening game to England, they went on to play out a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic before beating Scotland 3-1 in their final group stage match to finish second in Group D.
While both teams’ players haven’t always been at their best in the tournament so far, they will be aware that there’s absolutely no margin for error from here on. But history favours Spain ahead of the game as Croatia have been eliminated in all three of their previous knockout matches at the Euros.
Croatia vs Spain head-to-head
Croatia got the better of Spain in the group stage of Euro 2016, with Nikola Kalinic and Ivan Perisic scoring for them. Two years later, when the teams crossed swords in the Nations League, La Roja hammered the Checkered Ones 6-0. Their last meeting, however, ended in a win for Croatia with Andrej Kramaric and Tin Jedvaj scoring in a 3-2 victory.
Overall, the teams have played eight games between them, including international friendlies, and Spain have the edge having won four of those meetings. Croatia have won three while one ended in a draw.
Croatia team news and injury
The biggest absentee for Croatia is going to be their star winger Ivan Perisic, who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
"During the evening, the Croatian Football Association received the results of regular testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which showed that national team member Ivan Perisic was positive for coronavirus," the Croatian Football Association said in an official statement.
Furthermore, they are also set to miss experienced defender Dejan Lovren in the fixture as he remains suspended. Croatia have other issues too as there are three players who are on the brink of suspension. The likes of Marcelo Brozovic, Duje Caleta-Car and Mateo Kovacic will miss the next match if booked.
Spain team news and injury
Spain do not have any injury issues whatsoever. Head coach Luis Enrique will take positives from their win over Slovakia, meaning that Cesar Azpilicueta might keep Marcos Llorente out of the starting line-up again.
Like Croatia, Spain, too, have players who run the risk of suspension. If booked against Croatia, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Pau Torres and Rodri will miss the quarter-final clash should the Spaniards progress.
Where to watch Croatia vs Spain live in India?
Croatia vs Spain UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match will be telecast live at 9:30 PM IST on SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3 and their corresponding HD TV channels in India, on Monday, June 28.
Live streaming of the Croatia vs Spain match will be available on SonyLIV and JioTV.
SportsAdda will bring you Croatia vs Spain live score.
Featured photo: AFP / Laurence Griffiths, Jose Manuel Vidal
