Before Spain took on Slovakia in their final Euro 2020 group stage game, manager Luis Enrique stated that his side were only one big performance away from hitting top gear. His wards heard him and did just that as they thrashed Slovakia 5-1 to enter the Round of 16 in demanding fashion. Next up: Luka Modric’s Croatia.
La Roja will face their toughest task yet as Croatia also entered the knockout stage with a fine 3-1 against Scotland.
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“In every sport they play, Croatians are always very competitive, they are lion-hearted and give everything for their country,” said Spain forward Dani Olmo, who spent five years at Croatia’s premier club Dinamo Zagreb.
“They really appreciate every objective they achieve. They have proven themselves in this Euros and in other tournaments, they thrive in difficult situations. There’s no favourite in this fixture, it’s anyone’s game.”
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner is Croatia’s talisman and arguably the most talented player in Monday’s game.
Spain’s players know Modric all too well after nine magical seasons with Real Madrid although they will not be able to count on any inside information on the midfielder as Luis Enrique decided not to include any Real players in his squad.
“He is their motor, the heartbeat of Croatia who conducts their orchestra. All their play goes through his feet,” Olmo added. “But Croatia is not just Modric.”
Olmo also said that unlike Sweden, Poland and Slovakia, Croatia are likely to come out and attack Spain and not just defend, which could play into their hands after struggling in their first two group games.
They should benefit from a smoother pitch at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium after complaining about the surface at Seville’s La Cartuja. Being away from a sometimes impatient home crowd could also help.
Spain were beaten 2-1 by Croatia in the Euro 2016 group stage and then hammered them 6-0 in the UEFA Nations League in 2018, only to lose 3-2 away from home two months later.
The 2018 World Cup runners-up will be missing centre back Dejan Lovren through suspension, with Duje Caleta-Car set to take his place.
Caleta-Car said Croatia must improve defensively after conceding in each of their three group matches.
“We’ve let in some soft goals as we haven’t been compact enough. Against Spain we have to keep it airtight in the midfield and at the back in order to close them down,” he told reporters on Saturday.
Midfielder Mateo Kovacic added: “They know we are a good team too so it should be a cracking encounter. Spain have phenomenal midfield players, but we can match them in every department. We have to take the game to them.”
(with inputs from Reuters)