Spain lifted after group struggles but eternal Modric awaits

Spain have finally clicked into gear after a sloppy start at Euro 2020 but will face their sternest test yet from Croatia, led by a sensational Luka Modric who keeps raging against the dying of the light, in their last 16 fixture at the Parken Stadium today.

Both teams have been inconsistent this summer and have a point to prove going into this encounter.

Croatia have not been at their best and have managed only one point from their first two games of the competition. The Balkan giants stunned Scotland in their last group game, however, and will need a similar performance in this match. They will be without Ivan Perisic  after the 32-year-old winger tested positive for COVID-19. Perisic, who scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic and a late goal in a 3-1 win over Scotland, will be left behind in self-isolation. 

Spain’s Euro 2020 campaign has also followed a fairly similar pattern with La Furia Roja being held to draws in their first two matches. Luis Enrique’s charges ran riot against Slovakia with a 5-0 victory earlier this week and will be confident ahead of this game. 

(Agencies)