Euro 2024: Spain - Croatia (11pm, June 15)

Spain have won the Euro 3 times while Croatia are the current third-placed team in the World Cup. Notably, in their history, Croatia's heaviest defeat was also against Spain, when the plaid team was defeated 6-0 in the UEFA Nations League 2018, just 2 months after Luka Modric and his teammates became the runners-up of the 2018 World Cup.

The last performance of "conductor" Modric

Modric has won most of the prestigious titles at the club level and has just won the 2023-2024 Champions League with Real Madrid. His sharp creative vision and skillful individual technique help the Croatian "conductor" dominate the midfield, becoming the trigger in the team's attacks.

Although not strong in competition, Modric's ability to control and regulate the game is top-notch. The 38-year-old star is very knowledgeable about Spanish football, having played for Real Madrid for most of his career.

Despite not having many stars, what Croatia has achieved in the past 6 years is impressive and Modric is the key factor in that incredible journey. On a personal level, Modric has also been honored many times, the highest being the 2018 Golden Ball award.

Modric is currently the player with the most caps for Croatia, with 175 appearances and 25 goals. Ahead of Euro 2024, this player scored to help Croatia defeat Portugal in a friendly match on June 8. Even veteran Spanish defender Dani Carvajal admitted that he did not want to face Modric in the upcoming rematch between the two teams.

In the context of not finding a suitable person to take on the leadership role, Modric continues to be highly regarded by coach Zlatko Dalic. Previously, another veteran Croatian midfielder, Ivan Rakitic, was removed from the team due to a decline in form.

Soon to be 39 years old, Modric is no longer physically fit enough to play a full match. With his current form and condition, Modric's ability will be at its best in the first 60 minutes of a match. Euro 2024 will also be Modric's last major tournament at the national team level, so this flamboyant midfielder wants to win the biggest title with his teammates!

Euro 2024: Tây Ban Nha - Croatia (23 giờ ngày 15-6) - Chung kết sớm ở bảng — Overview of the Spain - Croatia match. (Photo: REUTERS)

"The Bulls" rely on young stars

To neutralize Croatia's defensive counter-attacking style, Spain needs to know how to lock down Modric. Central midfielder Rodri is likely to be chosen by coach Luis de la Fuente to guard Modric. The 27-year-old Manchester City star is considered by coach Pep Goardiola to be the best defensive midfielder in the world at the moment because he is not only good at defending but also good at attacking.

In addition, young talent Lamine Yamal will also be an interesting unknown for the Spanish team at this Euro. The Barcelona winger has the ability to dribble past opponents and shoot with flair. Statistics show that in 6 times playing for the national team, Yamal has scored 2 goals, an impressive achievement for a player who is only 16 years old.

Three other young faces worth watching from Spain include Pedri, Nico Williams and Fermin Lopez, all 21 years old. Their youth, improvisation and Yamal could be the key for the "bullfighting team" to penetrate any defense, erasing the criticism of "passing a lot but not shooting much"!