Euro 2016 Group D: Spain already advancing gives Croatia chance to pinch point

Morata, meanwhile, helped himself to two against the Turks, yet will be playing up against proper centre halves in the Blazers’ chequerboard pattern. Nifty 9/2 odds say Juventus’ rangy frontman Morata can score first once more.

Battle for midfield mastery most attractive

The allure of this fixture surrounds control of affairs in the engine room. Such is the strength in depth of Croatia in midfield that Barcelona-owned starlet Alen Halilovic didn’t even make the cut for their final Euros roster.

While the curiosities of who made it in to and was left out of Ante Cacic’s squad are a subject of debate, punters should be able to looking forward to seeing other La Liga stars in Blazers blue turning out against their club teammates.

All three of Croatia’s goals at Euro 2016 so far have come from midfield, with Barca playmaker Ivan Rakitic representing the best repeat value at 7/2 anytime.

Winger Ivan Perisic was their leading marksman in qualifying, and is relishing freedom to support Blazers frontman Mario Manduzkic, so is also worth an anytime punt to strike again at odds of 11/4.

Familiar faces make for fascinating fixture

Spain will still have their eyes set on topping the group, so if picking a full-strength side it is more than possible we will see as many as 15 players that were involved in the Euro 2012 meeting with Croatia.

Around half of those could be defenders, and Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos in particular know what it is like to mark Mandzukic in big battles for both club and country.

If one team can match La Roja in the middle, though, then it is the Blazers. Luka Modric and Rakitic are what make El Clasico rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona tick, and it is their insider knowledge of Galactico football and Tiki Taka which ought to prove the greater leveller.

Related

You’ll find comprehensive coverage of Euro 2016 on our dedicated section.

Coral’s top tip: Backing a draw between Croatia and Spain at a tempting 2/1 price really could pay off here.