Copenhagen’s Parken is the venue for Monday night’s Euro 2020 Round of 16 clash between Croatia and Spain.
The Spaniards head into the knockout phase on the back of a thumping 5-0 win over Slovakia, although they could only manage second place in Group E.
Meanwhile, Croatia finished second in Group D – three points behind England – after dispatching Scotland 3-1 last time out.
Having taken just a single point from their opening two matches, Croatia were in real danger of bowing out of the European Championship at the first hurdle.
However, following a loss to England and a draw with the Czech Republic, the Croatians flexed their muscles and saw off Scotland.
In fact, Croatia ended a four-match winless run last time out, having registered two draws and two losses in the lead-up to the Scotland game.
It is also worth pointing out that Croatia have only managed to win three of their previous 12 matches in all competitions (three draws, six defeats).
With two goals and one assist to his name, Ivan Perisic has been Croatia biggest threat at Euro 2020 so far.
Just like Croatia, Spain were on the verge of suffering a humiliating first-round exit following their opening two games.
Draws with Sweden and Poland left Luis Enrique’s men on just two points after two matches, but they managed to rescue themselves against Slovakia.
Strikes from Aymeric Laporte, Pablo Sarabia and Ferran Torres, along with two own goals, saw the Spaniards crush Slovakia 5-0.
Interestingly, Spain enjoyed 66% possession in their previous game and also chalked up 666 passes. They had 19 shots, too, while Slovakia failed to register a single attempt on target.
Enrique’s side head into Monday’s clash on an 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (five wins, six draws).
Head-to-head: Croatia and Spain faced each other in the Nations League back in 2018. Spain won 6-0 on home soil before suffering a 3-2 defeat in Croatia.
It is also worth noting that Spain have only lost two of their previous seven meetings with Croatia (four wins, one draw).
Team news: Croatia defender Borna Barisic returned from injury as a substitute in the last game and could be in line for a start on Monday.
As for Spain, Enrique may opt for Sergio Busquets ahead of Rodri in midfield, with the Barcelona star back from quarantine.
Despite big wins for both sides last time out, neither team has been able to assert any real authority on the tournament as yet.
For that reason, Forebet predicts that Croatia and Spain will produce a low-scoring draw on Monday, needing extra-time and/or penalties to decide the outcome.