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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
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Post by Jep Gambardella on Jun 14, 2024 15:17:58 GMT
That's the one I want to watch tomorrow.
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Post by staggerstag on Jun 15, 2024 16:32:16 GMT
GOAL
Morata streaks away down the middle and slots it beyond Livakovic on the half-hour. Just when you thought Croatia were capable of pulling off a result here.
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Post by staggerstag on Jun 15, 2024 16:36:36 GMT
GOAL
A minute later sees a double whammy sucker punch to Croatia. Ruiz twists and turns in the box and finishes cleanly for 2-0. What a blitz. What a blitz. Both sides were about even a few minutes ago, but Spain have hit paydirt where it counts. At the back of the net.
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Post by Jep Gambardella on Jun 15, 2024 16:53:01 GMT
Croatia ain't coming back from that. Too bad; they missed a couple of good chances to make it 2-1.
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Post by staggerstag on Jun 15, 2024 16:53:38 GMT
HALF TIME
Not worth posting now, game's gone. Carvajal latched onto Yamal's free-kick and pings it home for 3-0 before the break. Game's gone.
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Post by Jep Gambardella on Jun 15, 2024 17:44:44 GMT
Didn't get that VAR decision to invalidate Croatia's goal. Not that it would have changed anything.
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Post by staggerstag on Jun 15, 2024 17:45:07 GMT
PENALTY CROATIA
GOAL
Petcovic sees his shot saved but he nets the rebound to give Croatia a goal with ten minutes left.
VAR
Encroachment by Croatia before the kick was placed.
NO GOAL
Back to 3-0.
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