Group D action in Euro 2016 comes to a climax on Tuesday as Spain go head-to-head with Croatia, while Czech Republic face Turkey in Lens.
Spain require just a draw to guarantee they finish at the summit of Group D, whereas a win for Croatia against the holders would take them ahead of La Roja into top spot. Spain defeated Croatia 1-0 when the sides met in the Group Stage of Euro 2012.
Crotia will be without crucial midfielder Luca Modric for the tie after he suffered a thigh injury in the late draw with the Czech Republic, while Mario Mandzukic remains a doubt.
Spain, meanwhile, will be a full strength, but may opt to rest several starts such as Sergio Ramos, who will be suspended for the Last 16 clash should he pick up another booking.
‘I don’t know if it’s ideal to rest players right now,’ Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admitted.
‘The players have got some rhythm going and it could be counterproductive to change things.’
‘This is the game that decides who will be first in our group. ‘ said Ante Cacic, of Croatia.
‘We are up against a quality side, the double European champions, a team full of quality, of players from Barcelona and Real Madrid. A team that know the game and take their chances.’
The match will be played at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux. The match kicks off at 21:00.
The other game in Group D will contest Czech Republic and Turkey.
It’s a must-win game game for Turkey if they have any hope of qualifying, while Czech Republic will also be desperate to claim a win, even though they could still mathematically qulaify with a draw.
The Czechs will be without key midfield veteran Tomas Rosicky, who will miss the remainder of the tournament with a thigh problem, while Turkey will be without the services of a key midfielder of their own, Nuri Sahin, as the player has been ruled out with a knee problem.
The sides are relatively familiar with one another having faced-off in qualifying for the tournament. In each of those meetings it was the away side that claimed victory, while Turkey have history on their side having come from behind to beat the Czechs 3-2 back in Euro 2008.
‘In theory we might only need a point, even though it is really just in theory.’ said Czech Republic coach Pavel Vrba.
‘More likely we need to win so we will push more players forward and play more offensively. We will make an effort to control the match.’
Fatih Terim on the other hands believes his Turkey side will need a win and predicts a chess match in Lens.
‘This will be an interesting game: both teams need a victory. It will be like a chess match. The Czech Republic are a resilient team. They came from 2-0 down to draw with Croatia and they could have held Spain too. You have to be wary of them.’ said Terim.
The match is set to be played at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens.
The action gets underway at 21:00.
