Euro 2016: Guide to Group D

We head into day three of the tournament with the shock and disappointment of that last-gasp Russian equaliser still looming. But there is a long way to go and plenty more football to come.

Turkey faces up against Croatia in an early kick-off. Elsewhere, Spain doesn’t play their match against the Czech Republic until Monday. This is a group which could rustle a few feathers. Any of these teams in Group D have the potential to go through, which means at least one decent side is going to be facing an early exit from the tournament.

Group D: Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain and Turkey

Croatia

Ante Cacic’s Croatia has been drawn into one of the strongest groups in the competition. As always, Croatia has some real star quality in their squad. It is that star quality which enabled them to lose on just one occasion during qualification and remain undefeated against group winners, Italy. They are now on a seven-game unbeaten run and, in their last Euros warm-up match, they beat San Marino 10-0.

This Croatia team tends to dominate the middle of the park, with the outstanding Luca Modric partnered by Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona. Out-wide they have the pace and power of Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic, who has recently been linked with Liverpool. Up top is the centre forward maverick, Mario Mandzukic. The Juventus striker is an absolute handful in the air, but it is also very adept with the ball at his feet. At the back the Croatians have the experience of skipper, Darijo Srna and Vedran Corluka.

Domagoj Vida plays alongside Corluka at the back, he is known as the hard man of the two. Vida lived up to that reputation back in 2012 when playing for Dinamo Zagreb, when he decided to open and drink a can of beer on the way to an away game, to the disgust of his manager, who kicked him off the bus and left him in a lay-by. Coincidentally, that just happened to be current national team coach, Ante Cacic. Hopefully the pair has since resolved that issue - maybe over a pint.

How will they do?

It has to be said again that Croatia finds themselves in a very tough group, so they could quite easily be eliminated. However, given the strength of their squad, they are more than capable of making it through. Not many teams would like to be pit against this team; a quarter-finals appearance is possible for this side.

Star man – Luca Modric

There is no questioning the value Modric has to this squad. The former Premier League star has everything you want in a midfielder; he puts in challenges, breaks up play, has a vast range of passing, is more than able of getting on the score sheet and creates a number of chances. Should the Croatian be at his ultimate best in France, his team will make the next round.

 

Czech Republic

Many people may have already written this team off. But believe me, this is a good Czech Republic team. They have the ability to press high against a lesser outfit and drop back and soak up pressure against so-called better sides. Shape and organisation is this team’s key to success. On the way to topping their group, remarkably, the Czechs did the double over Holland and finished a massive nine points above them. They only lost twice during their qualifying campaign, but since then, they have been defeated three times.

Pavel Vrba encourages his team to attack and in Tomas Necid they have an in-form striker. He holds the ball up well, allowing his team-mates to join him in the attack. The Bursaspor front man has recently been linked with Italian giants, Juventus. Captain Tomas Rosicky will look to play off the centre forward as often as possible. The 34-year-old midfielder may be passed his best, but even in his twilight years he still has plenty to offer this team; he has 103 caps for his country. It is of great importance that rock of the back four Tomas Sivok has a solid tournament. The Championship’s Daniel Pudil and Jiri Skalak will be in contention for a place in the line-up.

How will they do?
Any team from this group could face elimination. The Czech Republic will go out and give their all to try and win every game they play. That attitude will either prove highly fruitful or see them sent packing. This could be the shock team of the tournament, with the potential of reaching the later rounds. They will be hoping to emulate their success twelve years ago, where they reached the semi-finals of this competition.

Star man – Vladimir Darida

The importance of the Hertha Berlin attacking midfielder to this squad is often overlooked. He is not your typical forward-thinking player, he defends from the front and chases back on a regular basis. Darida is often employed to limit opposing team’s central midfielders time on the ball. That being said, he is still a very useful player on the ball and has an eye for goal. Darida will be looking to impress at the tournament, in order to gain a move to a bigger club.

Spain

This is a team going for an astonishing third European Championship title in a row. However, there are plenty of stars missing from that wonderful squad they had at their disposal four years ago. They did have a solid campaign, winning nine of their matches, losing only to Slovakia. In the build-up to the tournament they annihilated South Korea 6-1, but just a few days ago, Georgia beat them 1-0. So who knows what to expect. Surprisingly, Coach Vicente del Bosque opted to leave Juan Mata, Fernando Torres, Santi Cazorla and the tenacious Diego Costa at home. A decision that has came under much scrutiny.

They are still very adept at defending, though. With a settled back four of Juanfran, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos and Jordi Alba. The wing-backs will play high up the pitch and look to be a threat down the flanks. Spain are going to have to win games in midfield, and with the reliable Sergio Busquets, the creative spark of David Silva and the tidy play of Cesc Fabregas they should have enough. But the Chelsea man needs to put a disappointing season behind him and not go missing in games, like he often does for this team.

Up front they lack world-class. The coach often plays with a false 9. Despite being 35, Aritz Aduriz, a striker who enjoys a bit of hustle and bustle, is in the form of his life. He scored a magnificent 36 goals in all competitions for Athletic Bilbao this season. Another option is gangly, long-legged forward, Alvaro Morata. He is maturing nicely in Italy, as he is ever-present in the Juventus lineup.

In goal it is unknown who will be the Spanish first choice keeper for the tournament. David De Gea has had his off field problems this week, having been accused of playing a part in an alleged sex scandal a few years back. Manchester United’s player of the season for the last three years categorically denies the allegations. However, it will not do his chances any favors, so legendary stopper, Iker Casillas, may well build on his 167 caps.

How will they do?

The harmony within this squad just doesn’t seem quite right. Two years ago at the World Cup they got knocked out in the group stages. Spain has got more than enough in this team to push on into the later rounds of the competition. But when they come up against a top-class opposition they could come up short. Their lack of options in the final third of the field could prove to be their downfall.

Star man - Andrés Iniesta

At 32, Iniesta probably isn’t as effective as he was in his prime at previous tournaments. But the little genius is still one of the best midfielders in the world. He has lost a yard of his pace, but when it comes to Spain’s tiki-taka approach to the game that does not become an issue. The Barcelona captain is a lovely player to watch; he gets the ball down and plays silky, attacking football with purpose. Iniesta ties the midfield together and will be at the forefront of any Spain success at the Euros.

 

Turkey
This is an exciting Turkish team; they have an abundance of talent within their squad. They had a terrible start to qualifying, failing to win their first three games. However, they followed that up by remaining unbeaten for the rest of their matches – a run which included a 3-0 win over the Dutch. Turkey also defeated group D opponents Czech Republic in qualifying, which will give them confidence. Because Turkey ended up with the best third-place record of all the teams, they gained automatic qualification to the Euros. Recently, England was fortunate to beat them 2-1 in a friendly encounter.

Three-time Turkey manager, Fatih Terim, just can’t keep away from the national set-up. He encourages his team to get the ball down and play out from the back. That is one of the main reasons why he opts to play defensive midfielder, Mehmet Topal, at centre-back. Young central midfielder Ozan Tufan, 21, looks to have a promising future ahead of him, he loves to play a passing game but he also doesn’t shy away from a tackle. The range of options Turkey has in midfield is quite impressive. One of which is Hakan Calhanoglu, he is known across Europe for being a dead-ball specialist. Leading the line will no doubt be Burak Yilmaz; he has scored over 150 goals in the Turkish top-flight.

How will they do?
It all depends on what Turkey team turns up. If they approach the tournament like they did the start of their qualifying campaign then they will not make it through. But if they go out and play their natural game and take it to the opposition then they will be pushing all the way to make the knockout rounds. This team could cause a few upsets. They head into France under the radar.

Star man – Arda Turan

The wonderful Arda Turan is the focal point of this Turkey team. The greatest player the nation has ever had, he is the footballing hero of the Turkish people. His high work-ethic is always a welcome addition to the side. Now playing for Barcelona, the Turkey captain is a tremendous player to watch, mesmerizing defenders with his quick feet and attacking flare. The pressure is on Arda to create opportunities and help guide his team into the last 16 of this competition.