We are midway through the R-16, with Belgium, the Czech Rep, Italy, and Denmark making it to the QFs while Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria and Wales have been eliminated in the R-16. Tonight surprising World Cup 2018 runner-up, Croatia, face Spain with its (now past) titles and pedigree, in a match that I can see go either way even if Spain would be slight favorites in my book. You then have one of this tournament's top favorites and World Cup champions, France, take on a solid Swiss team which should not be underestimated either.
Incidentally, while I hope I'm wrong, I don't think either of these matches will turn out to be entertaining to watch.
The French won't put away the Swiss as easily as Italy did. I'm not ruling out a Swiss upset here. France haven't clicked so far. Will they ever click in this tournament? It remains to be seen.
Ivan Perišić was tested positive on Covid. He'll miss the Spain game. Terrible news for Croatia who don't have any back up for him. They'll need to change the formation or play someone out of position. Spain have a nice chance to reach the quarterfinals. Maybe semi-finals. I think with Busquets back in the line up Spain will be more solid. We'll see though if they can be more effective in the final third.
Maybe not entertaining but I think we will finally find out how good/bad Spain is tonight. We have a good idea how good Croatia are (also Swiss and France) but just no clue about Spain.
With Busquets back, and Croatia not having Perisic, or even Lovren available, it's Spain's time to shine.
As for France, they have not impressed, but we all know the quality is there. The midfield battle will be something to keep an eye on. France will probably prevail, but it should be a tight contest.
Last time France and Switzerland played competitively (7 years ago), France were steam rolling them 5-0 before the Swiss fought back to a more respectable 5-2. I think France will play for 2-0 and conserve themselves for the next round. Spain should beat Croatia, but who knows by how much. It could be a blow out. It could be on penalties. I just can't see Croatia winning, but given Spain's haphazard form and given Croatia's quality in some areas of the park, maybe I shouldn't dismiss them so easily. Things can turn in their favor like we saw in the match between the Czechs and Netherlands.
Feel sorry for Spain and Luiz Enrique. With a proper striker or even a less false 9, Spain would be a legitimate contender. Now you've got Dave and midies pushing way up giving up easy counters just to put the game away.
spain needs to forget about scoring again. THey need to NOW start with their 900 passing sequences. Now that they need the endlessly impotent possession they decided to stop?