Both Croatia and Spain will be coming into their final UEFA Euro 2016 group stage match with the potential to finish top of Group D. However, for one side, there will be much more on their minds than the match after fan violence has threatened their position at this summer's tournament. Meanwhile, for the other, they set a new record by picking up another win and will be looking to finish up their group stage campaign without conceding a goal.
Croatia
Croatia will be coming into this game with much concern - and not only because they will be taking on the reigning Euro champions. In their last game, Ante Cacic's side were cruising along towards a comfortable 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and booking their spot in the round of 16. However, things quickly took an ugly turn late in the second half.
A bunch of disgruntled fans - protesting because of some football issues happening back in Croatia that are totally unrelated to this tournament - decided to show their displeasure by hurling flares onto the pitch. Ultimately, things ended on a rather sour note all their hard work was done after a late handball by defender Domagoj Vida gave the Czech Republic a spot-kick, which they converted to eventually tie the match.
Terrible: The damage caused to the pitch by flares thrown by some Croatian fans (photo taken from author's perspective)
Reports claim that Croatia could potentially be expelled from the tournament after failing to control their fans. However, even if they are not kicked out, there are already some major concerns about the fitness two key players. Both Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic are reportedly struggling with muscular problems, and star midfielder Modric may be out of the game entirely after suffering a groin strain.
In addition, a slew of players are all a booking away from a suspension, with Milan Badelj, Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Strinic and Vida all needing to stay on the right side of the referee's rules to avoid being banned for their next match.
Spain
As for Spain, the reigning Euro champions labored against the Czech Republic, but they had no problem in dispatching Turkey. La Furia Roja cruised to a relatively comfortable 3-0 win, with Alvaro Morata opening his Euro account with a well-deserved brace.
Spain's objective at Euro 2016 is two-fold. First, Vincente Del Bosque's men are seeking to make it an unprecedented third consecutive title this July. And second, should they achieve this, they will become the first team to win four Euro trophies. This, naturally, would help them redeem themselves after a very poor World Cup campaign that has damaged their credibility on the international stage.
Alvaro Morata celebrates after his two goals helped to seal a round of 16 spot for Spain during the game against Turkey
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A draw for Spain would be enough for them to win their group, but of course, they will want to make it three wins out of three to wrap up things on a good note. Fortunately, they will have everyone healthy and available, with only Sergio Ramos having to be very careful in order to avoid being banned for their knock-out round match.
Which channel is broadcasting Croatia vs Spain on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade de Bordeaux? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are all the choices for fans residing elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.00 EST on: ESPN3 USA, WATCH ESPN, ESPN, SiriusXM FC, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPN Deportes TV
- In Croatia at 21.00 CET on: HRT 2
- In Spain at 21.00 CET on: MiTele En Vivo, TeleCinco Espana
- In France at 21.00 CET on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT France, TF1, beIN Sports 3, beIN Sports 1
- In the UK at 20.00 BST on: The ITV Hub, ITV 1 UK, BBC Radio 5 Live, TalkSport Radio UK, STV Scotland
- In Canada at 15.00 ET on: TSN3, RDS, TSN1
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Croatia vs Spain broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Croatia vs Spain - Did you know?
- Spain are currently unbeaten in their past 14 Euro games (11 wins, 3 draws) - which is a new record
- La Furia Roja have not conceded a goal in nearly 700 minutes of action (690 to be exact)
- Croatia have only lost one out of their last eight matches at this tournament
- The Vatreni have only beaten Spain once - back on March 23, 1994 during a friendly (a 2-0 victory)
- Spain have won the other three and drawn one - including their last meeting during Euro 2012 (June 18th)
- Captain Darijo Srna could set a new record for Croatian players if he makes his 17th appearance at a Euro tournament this Tuesday
- Andres Iniesta's 177 passes make him the most successful ball-distributor in the Spain squad
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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