Spain will look to build on their impressive victory over Slovakia when they take on Croatia on Monday night in the last 16 of Euro 2020.
La Roja started the tournament with successive draws against Sweden and Poland, but they found their groove when they hammered Slovakia 5-0 last time out.
Croatia did manage to secure second place in Group D after losing their opener to England, with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic followed up by a 3-1 success over Scotland.
Zlatko Dalic’s side are considered outsiders for this contest at 21/4, with the draw 11/4, while Spain are 20/31 to win inside 90 minutes.
Perisic’s Absence Could Prove Decisive
Croatia had previously looked a reasonable price in the double chance market for this game, but once Ivan Perisic was ruled out, the odds soon started to tumble in Spain’s favour.
The Inter Milan winger tested positive for Covid-19 over the weekend, and his tournament is over unless Croatia can overcome Spain in Copenhagen.
Without Perisic, the pressure on the shoulders of Luka Modric increases. The Real Madrid ace scored a stunning goal against Scotland, but Perisic’s influence within the Croatia setup is massive.
The 32-year-old has been directly involved in six goals in his last five appearances at major tournaments for his country, and Spain can capitalise on his absence.
Luis Enrique’s side have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches in all competitions, and they should be able to contain a blunted Croatia side, with a Spain win to nil priced at 7/5.
Spain to Come on Strong In Copenhagen
Spain may have lost the last competitive meeting between the pair, but they have shown they can dominate teams this summer.
Enrique’s team boasted a higher expected goals total than any other side in the group stages of Euro 2020. All six of their goals so far have also been scored by different players, but two of those did come via own goals from the opposition. Spain were the highest scoring side in the group stages not to see a player score more than once, and Croatia will have to be worried about all of their attacking talent across the pitch.
With that in mind, Spain look a reasonable price in the half-time/full-time market. Croatia are likely to defend from the outset, and Spain may need to be patient for their opening goal.
A draw at half-time and a Spain victory catches the eye at 53/20, while Pablo Sarabia is one player to consider in the anytime scorer market.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace caused havoc against Slovakia last week, and he also grabbed an assist. The 29-year-old should be given a free role during Monday’s battle, and at 13/5 he looks a great price to score.
*All odds correct at time of writing
