21st Jun 2016 | Euro 2016
Chastened Croatia Ready To Deliver
Croatia will be furious that they let a 2-0 lead slip last time out. If the Spanish believe their own hype then they could be set for a rude awakening.
Media interpretation during major tournaments is nothing if not reactionary. Northern Ireland were totally out of their depth after Game 1, yet nearly qualified after Game 2. Belgium were dysfunctional underachievers after Game 1 yet trophy contenders after Game 2.
We therefore shouldn’t be surprised that Spain were quickly installed as favourites after brushing aside Turkey 3-0. No matter that they needed till the 87th minute to sneak past the Czechs 1-0 before that.
On Tuesday they face Croatia in what could arguably be the pick of the group stage fixtures. Ante Cacic’s boys are better than best odds of 17/4 (Bet365) to win here suggest.
The only differences between the sides so far is that Croatia have been less clinical and that they lost their concentration badly at 2-0 up against the Czechs.
That setback should have focused the minds of competition dark horses who know they were significantly better than their opponents, even if it did end 2-2. It will have irked them that crowd trouble both affected them and took attention away from what was so nearly a standout performance.
Spain have qualified and are no doubt relishing being flavour of the month again. An angry Croatia can remind them that they have plenty of work to do yet.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 17:01 21st Jun, 2016 but subject to change
