Euro 2012: Spain set for tougher test against Croatia

Eye quarters berth; Italy to avoid falling into Irish trap.

KRAKOW:

After thrashing an accommodating Ireland side 4-0, holders Spain may find Croatia a tougher nut to crack when they meet in Gdansk today in a game that will decide who tops Euro 2012 Group C. A 2-2 draw would put both sides into the quarter-finals even if third-placed Italy beat Ireland and a defeat would probably mean an early flight home.

Spain played sparkling football against Ireland when the recalled Fernando Torres scored twice but the world champions are wary of a dangerous Croatia side who are unlikely to stand around watching Iberian artistry. In midfield playmaker Luka Modric and the tournament's joint top scorer with three goals Mario Mandzukic, Croatia have the quality in key areas to cause problems for Spain.

“We watched the two matches they played here and they fully deserve the four points they have,” said Spain defender Raul Albiol. “Croatia have always had talented players and they
are going to make it very tough for us.”

Only needing to avoid defeat to reach the last-eight, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will be toying with the decision about whether to retain Torres or revert to the striker-less line-up he put out in the 1-1 opening draw with Italy.

Croatia, who have never played Spain in a competitive game and are unbeaten in open play in their last six European Championship matches, are an intrepid side. Faced with the harsh prospect of going out with an unbeaten record, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic will implore his players to be bold.

“I hope luck will be on our side too, though our players also need to play the match of their lives,” he said.

Trapattoni sets loyalties straight

Giovanni Trapattoni may be a proud Italian but he knows he has a professional duty as Ireland coach to try his hardest to deny Italy a passage into the Euro 2012 quarter-finals today.

Ireland have been eliminated after two heavy Group C defeats and the final group match could be the last major tournament appearance for the likes of 31-year-old Robbie Keane who will not want to bow out with a defeat.

“It would not be fair to the other countries in the group if I did not select my best team,” said Trapattoni. “With this team, and these players, I am proud.”

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is sure Ireland and Spain will be totally professional.

“I know we have to believe right until the end. I don't believe in any suspect goings on,” said Prandelli said. “It all depends on us, we need to deserve the win, it won't be easy.”

A victory would be enough for Italy to reach the quarter-finals in second place if Spain or Croatia win the other match.

However, an Italy win and a draw in the Spain game makes the situation complicated because all three teams would then be level on five points and head-to-head results come into play.

Cesare Prandelli

“I know we have to believe right until the end. I don’t believe in any suspect going on. It all depends on us, we need to deserve the win, it won’t be easy.”

 Giovanni Trapattoni

 

"It would not be fair
to the other countries in
the group if I did not select my best team. With this team, and these players, I am proud."

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2012.