Croatia vs. Spain Tips & Predictions

Match #21: Croatia vs. Spain Predictions

Croatia and Spain are both sitting at the top of Group C at the moment with 4 points apiece through 2 games. Neither team has locked up their position in the QF’s yet, so both teams should be playing with a fast pace. After the Russians were eliminated as big favourites in Group A you can bet that the Spaniards will be focused against a surprisingly strong Croatian squad.

Croatia Tournament Recap (1-1-0)

Croatia picked up 4 points through 2 games including a 3-1 win over Ireland and a 1-1 draw against Italy. Croatia fell behind 1-0 in their 2nd match against the Italians, but Mandzukic scored in the 72nd minute to even the match. Mandzukic has netted 3 goals in only 2 matches at Euro 2012 for Croatia and he is currently a top contender to win the golden boot at Euro 2012.

Spain Tournament Recap (1-1-0)

Spain found their form against the Irish and they were able to win the match 4-0. Fernando Torres opened the scoring in the 4th minute against Ireland plus he also netted one more goal in the 70th minute. Silva and Fabregas both scored as well for Spain in their match against the Irish. Fabregas now has a goal in both games at Euro 2012, but he might not play in their 3rd fixture.

Croatia vs. Spain Match Odds

Croatia: 8.50 Best Odds at Stan James
Spain: 1.75 Best Odds at 188Bet
Draw: 3.00 Best Odds at BetVictor

Croatia vs. Spain Betting Tips

Spain to win at 1.75 odds (188Bet)

Spain looked next to impossible to beat against Ireland. Ireland isn’t the toughest team to look great against as Croatia showed us in their opening match against the Irish, but a 4-0 win at the Euros is still great no matter who you play. Spain actually set a new European Championship record by completing 860 passes against Ireland (Previous Record was 778).

These two teams may both be sitting at 4 points, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Spain has looked much better and they have more world class players than the Croatians. Spain shouldn’t falter under pressure against Croatia and they should be able to walk away from this match with the full 3-points to secure their 1st place spot in Group C after group stage.

Croatia vs. Spain Best Bets

Croatia and Spain haven’t played against each other that much. The two teams have played four friendly matches against each other and the Spaniards have a H2H record of 2-1-1. Croatia beat Spain in their 1st friendly back in 1991, but Spain has dominated the series since and I expect Spain to continue that dominance in a match that actually matters.

With Spain’s form at Euro 2012 I don’t want to take a chance betting the goals markets, but I’m going to bet a unit on Spain to pick-up the full 3-points at 1.75 odds. The odds aren’t great, but Spain is in another class compared to most nations and I don’t think the Spaniards will take the Croatians lightly because they know a loss could cost them their tournament.

Ladbrokes is running a great promotion for this match tomorrow. If you want to bet on the 1st goalscorer market Ladbrokes will refund losing bets for up to £100 if Fernando Torres scores the 1st goal or last goal of the match. Torres has been in great form and this refund has a great chance of hitting if you miss out on your 1st goalscorer prediction. I’ve placed a bet on Mandzukic to open the scoring at 9/1 odds.