Ivan Rakitic has to step up for Croatia against Spain if Luka Modric is injured
Former Germany skipper brings his unique tactical insight to SunSport’s star Euro 2016 team this summer
ONE thing I know is Croatia are not scared of Spain — and will be oozing confidence going into the game.
They aren’t scared to say, “We’ve got the technique, strength and mentality to beat anyone”.
With Luka Modric alongside Ivan Rakitic in midfield, I would really fancy them — even against a Spain side who outclassed the Turks.
But if Real Madrid star Modric is out injured, it will be a huge task stopping the Spaniards.
Yet Rakitic has shown at Barcelona that he’s a class act.
He tends to play on the right for them but is used further forward for Croatia because the system is more like Real Madrid’s 4-2-3-1.
He’s such a versatile player and will know it’s down to him to take on more responsibility if his close pal Modric should be ruled out.
MARIO MANDZUKIC is such a vital cog in this Croatian side — and a nightmare for defenders.
The Juventus striker (left) starts centrally but loves drifting wide, then driving at the defence.
It should be one hell of a battle against Spain centre-half Sergio Ramos because both men will try anything to get the upper hand.
The pair know just how far they can push a referee, so expect pulling, holding, everything. These two will scrap all match!
WE all saw how fluent and fluid Spain were in their last game, with Andres Iniesta pulling the strings.
He showed why I’ve called him the smartest player in the world.
If you let Spain play, they will kill you. But the thing about them is they don’t like to shoot from outside the box, as they want to work the ball into a better position.
When it works it is brilliant but it means defenders can know something about what to expect.
Spain will have more possession but I am going for a surprise — a 2-1 win for Croatia.
FURIOUS Fatih Terim says his Turkey players should be “ashamed”.
And he hinted he may quit as boss because of the abuse he has received.
Terim accused his team of “throwing the towel in” while losing 3-0 to Spain.
A win tonight might not be enough to see them through in third place and Terim warned: “We’ll see what happens when our tournament is finished.”
Czech ace Tomas Rosicky is out and Petr Cech said: “Others must step up.”
LOTHAR MATTHAUS is a SunSport columnist and ITV Sport pundit. www.facebook.com/lothar.matthaeus Twitter: @LMatthaeus10
