Croatia has said it will try to control as much of the ball as possible in the match against Spain in the round of 16 of Euro 2020 (Euro 2021).
According to Croatia goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, this tactic will be one way to frustrate Spain during matches.
“We have to keep the ball as much as possible and make them (Spain) even more nervous because they don’t like to play with a team that does that. Of course it will be difficult but at this stage only the best teams defend,” Livakovic told a news conference at the centre. Croatia national team training in Rovinj, as reported by Reuters.
In the group stage, Croatia does not always win. They lost 0-1 to England and drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic.
Croatia only tasted victory in the group phase when they defeated Scotland 3-1 in the last match of the group phase.
“The knockout stages are like a new championship and even though they contain star players, I’m sure they will remain vigilant,” said Livakovic.
Croatia was defeated by Spain 0-6 in the away match in the 2018-2019 Nations League. However, they turned to beat Spain 3-2 at home.
“We played against one of the strongest teams in the championship who played fast and full of energy, they proved their class against Slovakia,” said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.
Dalic said the match with Spain would be tight. However, he is not worried because his players have beaten Spain.
“We have to take the game to them and continue to block if Spain keep pressing in order to qualify for the quarter-finals. The support of the supporters in Copenhagen will be to our advantage,” said Dalic.
On the other hand, Sergio Busquets assesses that Spain’s confidence level has increased after ensuring qualification for the last 16 of Euro 2020. Spain got their ticket to the knockout stages after beating Slovakia by a landslide score of 5-0 on the third matchday of the group stage
Meanwhile, Busquets was chosen as the Star of the Match thanks to his contribution in midfield. He told UEFA’s official website: “This is the style of play we want to continue. This [Victory] boosts confidence and morale.
“Now we will face the World Cup runners-up [Croatia]. Hopefully we continue to play at this level to be one step closer to our goal.”
Busquets did not play the full game against Slovakia, considering he was sent off in the 71st minute after feeling uncomfortable with his calf. Even so, he was chosen as the Best Player because his contribution was considered crucial.
The Barcelona midfielder added: “I really enjoy this. Before I was pulled out, I could feel a slight tug in the calf. I then said to ‘Mister’ and he did the right thing not to put me at risk.
“Hopefully I can continue to accumulate minutes playing in this team. This is a step forward after being missed and I am ready to take on the challenges ahead.”
On Croatia, who will face in the last 16, Busquets stated: “Croatia have evolved because one or two senior players retired but they have some talented young players emerging. That, plus their senior players and top coaches, make them a good team. But so are we, and we are hard to beat!”
The Croatia vs Spain match is scheduled to be held on Monday (28/6).
