Group D - Final round preview

How they got here

Spain

After an opening match where they had a lot of trouble forcing into the Czech defense, they had a very scintillating match against Turkey, where they showed they are ready to defend their title, if Morata can keep the good form showed.

Croatia

One of the most exciting teams in the first two rounds, they efforts were undone by their fans and that handball from Vida. If all that hadn’t happened, they would be qualified, as it is their second place is even at risk, but qualification should be just a matter of filling in the blanks.

Czech Rep.

A big disappointment, Vrba’s team. We expected them to light up the group stage, much like they did in qualification, but Vrba’s team has been a shadow of themselves, opting to defend and try to hold points. They almost lost all six points, until Domagoj Vida’s moment of madness

Turkey

It was always going to be hard for Terim’s team, but some people were expecting Turkey to create more troubles to the group leaders than they actually did. Against Spain, especially, Turkey’s exhibition was forgetful at best.  

What they need

Spain

Spain will want to confirm their main contender status, by guaranteeing the first place of a hard-fought group where it was expected Del Bosque’s team to have more difficulties. The toughest game comes now, though, and it will be Spain’s first big test in the competition.

Croatia

The late draw against Czech Republic just confirmed what was expected, Croatia will have to defeat Spain if they want to qualify in the first place in the strongest group of the Euros. Ante Cacic’s team hasn’t confirmed second place yet, which they will do with the draw, so the Croats might be tempted to try and sit back for this game.

Czech Rep.

Do or die for Czech Republic, and Vrba’s team has the upper hand over Turkey, as they at least got a point, and their star didn’t stop a counter to protest against the critics – like Turan did. Still, this game will be an absolute final for both teams, where a win is needed to keeping dreaming with a place in the knockout stages. 

Turkey

In a match that’s more like a final, Turkey has very few positives to take to this game. They haven’t been playing well, Arda Turan is not completely focused, and when he’s off of it, he’s really a spike on the Turkish wheel. To their good memories, though, must be the epic 2-3 match, against the Czechs, that gave Turkey qualification en route to the semi’s. If they can recreate that spirit, Terim’s team still has pretty much everything to fight for.