Despite optimism over this Croatian golden generation, the Croats have really failed to light up a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup. However, this time this Croatia squad seems to have come together and impressed many neutrals with their displays so far at Euro 2016. They put in a convincing performance against Turkey in the first game and should have beaten the Czech Republic – unfortunately their own fans seemed to ruin that result.
Questions were asked of Spain after an abysmal 2014 World Cup but they have already qualified for the last 16 and just need a draw against Croatia to win the group. They probed well against a resilient Czech Republic side, remaining patient and finally winning the match in the last minute, before thrashing a poor Turkey side.
Croatia only need a point to qualify for the knockout rounds so I am not sure they will risk going for the win against this Spanish side who are so brutal in their attack which could see Croatia fretting over a place in the last 16. I also think Spain may unintentionally take it slightly easier with qualification already secured and just a point needed to top the group. With this in mind, the draw is attractive at 2/1.