Croatia-Spain, Luis Enrique: 'Just win'

They both want to win, they think they can do it and they say it bluntly.

But between Zlatko Dalic and Luis Enrique only one will succeed, and never as this time does the confrontation appear balanced.

Croatia-Spain tomorrow in Copenhagen is the classic triple match, as well as a challenge between two national teams that have not been thrilling at Euro 2020 so far and that make the starting of the game from behind and possession of the ball their characteristics.

    This is why Luis Enrique is quick to point out that "it will be vital for us to have control of the midfield. If you leave possession to people like Modric and Kovacic you can have problems. The more we have the ball, the better it will be. In my opinion, it is true for the Croatians, given that their most talented players are the midfielders: it will be a good fight. " That 'Lucho' absolutely does not want to lose, to the point of saying that "we have to win, yes, yes or yes. I have no doubt about what I will see from my team. A result like the one against Slovakia (5-0 ed. ) motivates you even more. We deserved to be first in our group, but to do that you have to score goals and we didn't.

    But this does not detract from some of my convictions, and tonight I want to go to bed with the word 'trust' in my head. "

    Also because, despite the criticism he receives at home, Luis Enrique believes in the qualities of his parents:" I like the squad so much that I have available that any of them could play tomorrow. "He does not focus on singles, but he lets himself go with a compliment." Pedri is a unique player.

    "" I would have preferred to continue playing in Seville - he says again 'Lucho' - but we came to Copenhagen with the idea of ​​making happy the Spaniards who will come here and those who will see us from home ".

    The impression is that both Croatia and Spain have arrived at the moment of truth: it is no longer time to make calculations, but to just win. Then maybe find France, super favorite against Switzerland and which in the case of the Croats would be a great opportunity to revenge the world final. Meanwhile, the selection with the checkered jersey in the group stage beat only one shot, against Cinderella Scotland and thanks to goals from Vlasic (who at home, in terms of popularity, is overtaking his sister Blanka, former queen of the high jump ), Modric and Perisic. The latter is now a painful loss, having tested positive for Covid. "This news was a shock, it will not be easy to replace him - comments coach Dalic -,however we will find a solution given that there is no lack of talent in my squad, and I am sure that anyone who goes on the pitch will give everything to help the team.

    In any case, in the role of Perisic we are covered. "To the point that, to replace the Inter, the coach is undecided between three players:" Brekalo, Rebic and Orsolic will play for the place. "

    And speaking of Dalic, he has never been a champion of modesty, a bit like all Croatians, and here he underlines how "we don't need to take care of our opponents. We respect everyone, especially the Spaniards. But they know that we are a quality team too, so I don't know if they are happy to play against us. I don't think Spain is superior to us. We are very motivated, we want to pass and go to the quarter-finals. "A good number of fans will join Croatia for the first time in these European Championships.

    "This will be a great thing - Dalic comments -. Seeing so many of our supporters at the stadium will motivate us further". Croatia can boast two precedents in favor in recent years against the Spaniards: the 2-1 with which they beat their opponents at Euro 2016, with Kalinic and Perisic who overturned Morata's goal in the group stage, and a 3-2 in Nations League: now Dalic hopes history will repeat itself.