Czech
Republic v Croatia – Friday, 5pm
The Czechs were left devastated following a
last-gasp Spain goal in their recent encounter. An inspiring performance from
goalkeeper Petr Cech kept his team in the contest, as a usually stubborn
defence gifted the Spaniards some big opportunities. One major disappointed
from the game was the lack of chances they created, with only three shots
registered on target. Just like Spain, Croatia is a very good, technical,
ball-playing side, so a change in approach may be warranted for the Czechs.
If the Czech Republic are to claim their first ever
win over Croatia they need more from their centre-forward, Tomas Necid’s
hold-up play was poor. Attacking midfielder Thomas Rosicky has to get his foot
on the ball to allow his team to build attacks and threaten the Croatian
defence. Up until the latter part of the game against Spain the Czech defence
defended stoutly, they will probably have to ride the storm yet again today. Pavel Vrba acknowledges that changes needed to
be made, and given striker Necid’s performance
against Spain, his position must be under threat.
Croatia took many people by surprise with how
impressive their display against Turkey was. The magnificent Luka Modric proved
why he is the catalyst of this Croatian outfit, with a lovely 25-yard volley.
Barring a late rally from Turkey, Ante Cacic’s men dominated for large spells.
This week the manager highlighted that this Czech team is the side he feared
most in their group, given their magnificent run to the finals.
With qualification for the knockout rounds in
Croatia sights today, expect them to try and dominate the midfield and take the
game to the Czech Republic. They will want to get forward maverick Mario
Mandzukic involved as much as possible and push the defence back towards their
own goal. There were fears that Captain Darijo Srna wouldn’t make the tie after
he returned home to attend his father’s funeral, but fortunately, he has
returned and is ready to play. Although Ante Cacic has never named an unchanged
team as an international manager, he is expected to name an unchanged line-up.
If Croatia go out and play the same positive way
they did against Turkey in such an effective manner, they will cause this
defensive-minded Czech side problems. Whereas for the Czech Republic they have
to get as much time on the ball as possible and relieve some pressure from
their defence. The quality and depth of this Croatian team might just have a
bit too much for a Czech outfit still feeling the effects of their defeat
against Spain.
Prediction:
Croatia to win 2-1
Spain
v Turkey – Friday, 8pm
Although Spain may have claimed victory over the
Czech Republic, they still didn’t look quite at their best. An unconvincing
front line had their blushes spared by a late Gerard Pique goal from a
set-piece. Their settled back four did an excellent job of limiting their opponents’
chances on goal. Whereas, at the other end Alvaro Morata was wasteful in front
of goal, missing two or three huge chances. However, the win meant that Spain
kept up their unbelievable record of remaining unbeaten in the European
Championships since 2004.
This Turkey side will pose a different kind of
threat from Monday’s match, though. They are much more offensive-minded and
like to get their foot on the ball and play. It is highly doubtful that Spain
will have as much possession as they did against the Czechs – which was 72%. Sergio
Busquests will have the task of combating the excellence of Arda Turan on the game.
Even though Morata didn’t have the most fruitful of opening games, he is once
again expected to be announced in an unchanged Spain starting eleven.
Turkey will feel that they let themselves and the
supporters down in their first game, given that they never really looked like
scoring against Croatia. Yes they were up against a very adept team, but these
Turkish players are capable of much better. Despite a late push they still only
managed two shots on target in the whole match, which is simply not good
enough.
The fixture against Spain will be similar to the
Croatia game. More spirit, intensity, and composure is required if they are to
get anything out of a Spain team which can be rampant and unrelenting on their
day. Goal-machine Burak Yilmaz was a shock exclusion from the previous line-up,
he is always a threat to the oppositions back line and would maybe be a better
option in what could be a tough battle against the robust centre-half, Sergio
Ramos. Fatih Terim is expected to ring the changes, in order to claim only the
nation’s second triumph over Spain – the last coming in 1954.
This has the prospects of a very good game, as both
sides like to play with an expansive, free-flowing style of play. A wounded
Turkey has to come out and get something from this game; otherwise they will be
going home. With that in mind, Spain may profit on the counter. Opportunities
should not be lacking, it just comes down to whether or not these teams can be
more ruthless than they were in their first games.
Prediction:
Spain to win 3-1
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