Czech Republic 0-0 Turkey
A draw would have been enough for Spain to secure first place in the group and a potentially easier second round game.
The last time Turkey was at the tournament, it was arguably in as big a hole as it is this time.
Gutsy, combative and ruthless, Turkey snatched a priceless 2-0 victory to give themselves a chance of progressing to the Euro 2016 knockouts as a best third-placed team, sending their opponents packing in the process - just as they did with a 3-2 win at Euro 2008. It’s the most important match in the group and that’s what we’re focused on. “Without him we lack rhythm”.
Fristly, Modric hobbled off with a minor muscle injury that threatens his participation against Spain. The Czechs could poach the other automatic qualifying berth should they beat Turkey and Croatia lose.
Just last month Croatia were sanctioned by world governing body Federation Internationale de Football Association following discriminatory chanting during friendlies and ordered to play their next two home World Cup qualifiers behind closed doors.
Croatia’s last game against the Czech Republic is being investigated by UEFA after fans threw flares and firecrackers onto the field.
The setback means Vicente del Bosque’s men finish runners-up behind Croatia and will play Italy on Monday in a rematch of the 2012 final that Spain won 4-0.
“Luka Modric is certainly our best player”, said his Real Madrid teammate Mateo Kovacic.
“It’s always hard against Spain, but there is always a way to face them”, Rakitic said. “They will try to make it hard for us, but we have to prepare ourselves for the best possible team performance”. “We’ve shown what we can do”.
Croatia leads Spain 2-1.
Defending champions Spain have already qualified for the knockouts of the Euro 2016. We have had a dip in form compared to the 16-17 games leading up to here. “It will be determinant for the rest of the tournament”, Fabregas said. “We did not start well and were quite unlucky to concede a goal early on, which we did not want”. We have been playing well until now.
“The team has been good in everything but the result. He gives continuity to our game and it will certainly be hard if he doesn’t play”. But coming second, instead of third, in that group could prove a poisoned chalice. Ahead of the tournament, the Arsenal keeper had said he would decide after Euro 2016 whether to retire from global football. “If we played another four hours today, I think we would still not be able to score”. “I am not overly anxious”.
“Let’s wait until tomorrow night”. That looks unlikely unless one of them gets the win here, a draw would rule both nations out.