Croatia v Spain, 21st June, 8pm

[JJ1532]

Well, Croatia should be sat level with Spain in 6 points right now, but their team imploded just like their fans and threw away a 2-0 lead to draw with the Czech Republic. Means they now need a point to secure 2nd. They should have done enough to at least finish as one of the best placed 3rd teams though, so it'll be interesting to see what sort of game they give the Spanish. Looked a pretty handy side, the last 10 minutes against the Czechs aside.

Spain are through, but a defeat here will push them into 2nd, so they will want to avoid defeat. Do they rest their star players, or do they just name their strongest XI and go for a win?

Should be a good game this, hopefully Croatia can give Spain a proper test.

 

[Lewis Rutledge]

These two teams have played some of the best football of the tournament so far and I wouldn't be surprised to see them play each other again in the final. I'm going for 1-1, which would satisfy both sides.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Looking forward to this 2 good footballing sides with quality, Croatia should be level with Spain on 6 points but pissed it up the wall against the Czech Republic last time out so be interesting to see how they respond. Spain were ruthless against Turkey but I doubt Croatia will give the Spanish the freedom that Turkey did. Think they'll just have too much for Croatia though and will take it 2-0 here, very strong Spanish line up.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

1-0 Spain early on, great start. Nearly conceded an equaliser there though so unlucky for Croatia.

 

[JJ1532]

What a finish by Kalinic. 1-1.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Good goal that by Croatia and a really nice finish, sets up an interesting 2nd half.

 

[JJ1532]

Keeper way off his line, that should be taken again.

 

[JimJams]

Well as it wasn't really a pen it'll do.

Spain are so hard to watch. I can't stand the way every time a decision is against them they get in the refs face about it.

 

[Super_horns]

Good game with 2 decent goals and a bit of good fortune for both sides!

 

[JimJams]

PERISIC!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[G.B]

"worlds best keeper" beaten at his near post yet again

 

[Super_horns]

Opps - bad mistake by De Gea but good strike.

 

[G-Dragon]

wow De Gea been shit this game. Very unlikely him But come on CROATIAAAAAAAAA!

 

[JimJams]

Glad Spain came up against a side that can hurt them on the break. Their defence is not as good as many think.

 

[GodsGift]

So that's Spain, France, Germany and Italy in our side of the draw. Great.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

This Croatian side have to be taken very seriously now after that, what a performance against probably the most impressive team thus far. Croatia have shown they can mix it with the big boys and now with securing top spot that should see them a favourable draw moving forward. Had Spain scored the penalty it could have all been different but why Ramos is on penalty duties when the likes of Morata, Iniesta and Silva are on the pitch is bizarre. Spain against Italy will definitely be the big tie in the last 16.

 

[Bobbin']

So that's Spain, France, Germany and Italy in our side of the draw. Great.

Italy, France and Germany already were.

Italy play Spain in the next round so it's pretty much as you were anyway.

 

[JimJams]

Yeah I think his point is had we topped our group we'd avoid the lot. Not that we've got another in the mix.

 

[Bobbin']

Ah yeah, fair enough.

We'll probably somehow end up with Portugal in the last 16 and lose anyway.

 

[Vale on Trent]

Ifs and buts though, no point crying about what might have been. Germany have topped their group and still find themselves in this half of the draw, Italy have looked one of the best teams and still find themselves drawing Spain.

 

[Master D]

That goal has made this tournament interesting now, everyone in the top half will fancy their chances of going far. The Germans will still come through as the winner of all the big guns of the bottom half I suspect, they are simply the most reliable of all the nations.

 

[kay82]

All the highly rated teams have found it difficult to win convincingly this season. I won't be surprised if an underdog wins the trophy.

 

[Chris FGR]

Croatia will storm to the final, be 3-0 up and their fans will have a riot and get the game abandoned.

They are such a great side, shame that there are so many off the field issues.

 

[Skinner]

Anyone seen the managerial record for the Croatian boss? He's managed 20 clubs in his career and has spent no more than four years at one place.

Bizarre

 

[voltage]

Will the curse of the white shirt never leave Spain?
Deservedly win for Croatia. Good posture with nice defensive scheme but well shared with the offensive moments showing to not be scared.
Spain then faces Italy. I'm really curious about it.