Spain already met with Modric and company in 2012 and 2016 with a balance of one victory and one defeat, both in the group stage. The Spanish team overcame group E despite initial doubts and they are already in the round of 16 of Euro 2021. However, the two setbacks against Sweden and Poland have caused La Roja to be second and have to face a more fearsome rival such as Croatia.
The Croatian team has lost some of the players that led them to play in the final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, such as Rakitic or Mandukic. However, thanks to Modric, they also managed to overcome their group as second behind England.
This Monday, June 28, will be the ninth duel between Croatia and Spain. So far the balance is favorable to La Roja with four victories, three victories for the Balkan team, and only one draw.
In the history of the Euro, they met twice, both in the group stage. In the 2012 edition, Spain ended up winning by 0-1 and were champions of that edition. Four years later the Croats took revenge and beat Vicente del Bosque’s team 2-1 and that defeat forced them to face Italy in the second round.
The last two meetings between the two teams dating back to 2018 with Luis Enrique Martínez as coach in the UEFA Nations League. In the first leg at the Martínez Valero stadium, they won by a resounding 6-0. In the second leg they fell 3-2 and that result condemned Spain to stay out of the final four.
Having read the insider football betting prediction for the match Croatia vs Spain – EURO 2021, you should place your winning pick with the highest odds by registering for the best betting software.
Now, BET-IBC Tipster Team presents insider predictions for the match:
Duarte: Spain is coming off a good victory while Croatia hasn’t been playing very well. Spain has much more collective and individual potential.
Salahsyh: Both sides hadn’t played well in the first two games but both played well in the third game which made the teams qualify. Looking at the squads, both have good players. I expect a tight game but I pick Croatia as the winners.
Sherbet: Croatia and Spain are not in their best moment. However, I think that Spain is in better form than Croatia, and with the Sergio Busquets’ return, they feel strong.
Igor Tips: Spain finally woke up, and I think that we will see a similar game in this round. Croatia also finished second in its group, but I don’t see a powerful team for the knockout stage.
Kvasir: Spain is coming from a great win, which granted them the second spot in their group. I expect them to be inspired and go over Croatia; so, I’m going with a handicap for La Roja.
Mattybet: Neither of the teams have shown what was expected from them. In the last performance, Spain showed their power but against a weak team. I think this will be a match with few goals.
Realtu: This will be another close match in my opinion. Even if Spain’s performance has left a little to be desired, they did not lose any match in the tournament so far, and I believe they will win here.
Lady Murasaki: I see the Spanish team slightly superior to Croatia. Spain went from less to more and it seems that they have opened the goal chest. Croatia is a good team, experienced, with character, and with the magic of the immortal Luka Modric. I can see over two goals here.
Asian Football Bets: Both teams can score and concede goals easily. Croatia has shown in the past that they can create problems for the favorites.
No Man: After their poor debut in the competition, Spain surprised us with the 5-0 win over Slovakia. This was a great way to recover from their 2 previous draws. I believe they will impress us once more here but with Croatia as their opponents, I don’t think there will be over 3 goals.
Mitch: These two teams were very far from convincing during the group stage. They were then able to improve their level of play on the last game in order to obtain their tickets for the final phase of the competition. The Spanish team has regained confidence after their last 5-0 win against Slovakia, they will try to do it again in this game.
PortugalTipster: Spain did not start the Euro well with 2 draws against Poland and Sweden. However, they improved a lot against Slovakia and won 5-0. In the first two games, the Spaniards had great difficulties against two teams that played very close at the back. Croatia will play more openly, which will make the game easier for the Spanish.
TheTrollmanSha: Croatia ended 2nd in the group but they lost when playing against a good team like England and did a draw vs the Czech Republic. Spain is a team with more quality and coming from a good win 5-0. I expect they are going to take this win here and odds are decent.
LLYTips: Spain defeated Slovakia in their last game played with 5 goals strike. I suppose this time they will show us a good performance with many goals, so my selection here is the over line.
Lorysan: The Croatian national team has shown excellent football in the last three games of the group stage of the European Championship. I think that in this match they have a good chance of continuing to fight in the tournament. A draw or a victory for the Croats here. Perhaps we will see 2-1 1-1 2-2 here.
Tipster BetF: Spain have found their groove and will do their best live to their stands in this match against Croatia. Croatia are the underdogs in this match, but this will not be a walk in the park for the Spanish team.
GC Sports Betting: Spain left it until their final group stage to 100% secure their place into the knockout round by beating Slovakia 5-0. This was the first glimpse of class they had shown us, and I feel if they carry this into this match Croatia will find it tough to win this.