Croatia v Spain betting preview

The final round of group fixtures is kicked off in group C as Croatia face pre-tournament favourites Spain. Any side facing the Spanish will be underdogs and there is no exception here with Vicente del Bosque’s side firm favourites to take all 3 points. The Spanish are also looking to take a step closer to becoming the first international team to win three major tournaments in a row. But this game may not be that simple, as Croatia have some very good technical players in their team too.

Croatia v Spain odds

Croatia

Croatia have some good players in their side and it’s easy to see why they have qualified for this competition now and in the past. Their squad is made up of faces from Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Lyon, Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund. Defeat in the quarter finals of this competition in 2008 is Croatia’s joint best performance and they will undoubtedly be spurred on to reach those heights again this year. They also got here the hard way through the play-offs, and will be desperate to make the most of their chance. Billic’s side have played some good football in recent years but did struggle when they failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Ivica Olic is the experienced forward in their side with 75 caps and 15 goals, the Bayern Munich man knows where the back of the net is and his strength could prove a problem for the Spanish defence. Betting on the striker to score at any time during the game looks like a sensible bet that could give a good return.

Spain

Spain’s attractive passing football means they dominate possession against teams and if they are on the top of their game here then it could be a real struggle for Croatia. The Barcelona and Real Madrid core of Vicente del Bosque’s team means they are used to winning and handling big occasions, which will only make them even more difficult to break down and beat. Juan Mata has really shone for Chelsea this season and for his national side in qualifying, and as Spain may use this tie to rest one or two players, he could well come into the side. Betting on the attacking midfielder to score the opening goal in the game will carry good value as the former Valencia man is capable of producing a wonder strike or finishing under pressure. Croatia’s lack of real quality up top could cost them in the game, and so a 2-0 Spain win is something else definitely worth looking it.