Post by staggerstag on Jun 14, 2024 15:13:35 GMT
There's little doubt that Spain need to improve on their performance in Qatar, knocked out in the last 16 by Morocco in a penalty shoot-out where Spain didn't even find the net, losing 0-3 on kicks. The last three friendlies have seen them scoring freely (13 goals combined v N. Ireland, Andorra and Brazil) Since going out to Morocco they've won their last ten competitive games (Euro qualifiers and the Nations League thing) The backbone of the Spanish game could well be Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Alvero Morata - four players with leadership qualities each well established and sanctioned by coach Fuente in their respective positions (gk, def, mf, fwd)
It's expected that Luka Modric will again be amply employed for Croatia and what a joy he is to watch at times. 39 years of age and as important to the squad as any of his teammates, surely. Coach Dalic will play his him whenever possible, you can be sure of that. He has stated that to underplay Modric because of age will be to the team's cost. Croatia won the 4-team Fifa Series Tournament in Egypt in March this year, overcoming Tunisia and Egypt (with New Zealand winning 3rd place play-off) That's nowhere near the level here but at any rate the irresistible combo of Modric and Peresic will hopefully be worth the admission fee alone (well, almost)
SPAIN Even Money
CROATIA 3/1
DRAW 5/2
It's expected that Luka Modric will again be amply employed for Croatia and what a joy he is to watch at times. 39 years of age and as important to the squad as any of his teammates, surely. Coach Dalic will play his him whenever possible, you can be sure of that. He has stated that to underplay Modric because of age will be to the team's cost. Croatia won the 4-team Fifa Series Tournament in Egypt in March this year, overcoming Tunisia and Egypt (with New Zealand winning 3rd place play-off) That's nowhere near the level here but at any rate the irresistible combo of Modric and Peresic will hopefully be worth the admission fee alone (well, almost)
SPAIN Even Money
CROATIA 3/1
DRAW 5/2
