Luka modric It is the most precious piece in the chess of Croatia, and of course the great figure of the team led by Zlatko Dalic, but not for that reason the only argument with which it can harm Spain.
Aware of its limitations, among which is his vulnerability from the sides, Croatia used to bet on a simple game, focused on not making mistakes that facilitate the task to the rival. It's a uncomfortable equipment, more than by terms of pressure, where they are chameleonic, by how applied their players are in the dispute of individual duels. A good example of this is that it has dominated in this statistic in the three games played in the group stage.
Those of Dalic seek not to make mistakes and trust their luck to their main stars
That fighting spirit is the one that on more than one occasion (see the 2018 World Cup in which he was a finalist already with Dalic on the bench) has made him triumph when, due to his achievements, everything indicated that the balance should tip in favor of his rival. Proof of the latter is also that neither in front of England, nor against Czech Republic, nor in the duel he won against Scotland It has achieved a higher record than the rival in the expected goals metric that in a certain way figures the goals that a team deserves throughout a game.
The battle of possession
As for the tactical drawing, Croatia is between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 depending on the position and role of Modric as a conductor. On the other hand, it is a team that does not give the ball away to the rival, having equaled in terms of possession to England already Czech Republic, and dominating the same (66%) before Scotland.
Against Spain, and although the strong point of Croatia It is in the triangle that they form in the medullary Brozovic, Kovacic and Modric, it will be difficult for those of Dalic take the ball away from those of Luis Enrique. Therefore, and trusting in the effectiveness of footballers such as Perisic or, without going any further, the own Modric with his shot from medium distance, It would not be surprising if it was good that the meeting at times was back and forth.
In conclusion, for Spain vanquish Croatia It does not seem like sewing and singing, but at the same time it is undeniable, and despite the criticism received and the existing room for improvement, that the Selection part as a favorite to win. From there, ‘Don Fútbol’ will decide, but Luis Enrique and his team have reason to be optimistic.