There's still much to play for in Group C as Spain and Croatia battle it out in their last match of the group stages. Spain are the obvious favorites, but how are we expecting it to go down and how can us bettors profit off of this matchup?
Through two matches, Spain and Croatia are on top of the
group with four points each, while Italy is in third with two points. Ireland
is in the cellar, having lost both of their games.
What that means is everything is still up in the air. Just
the way we like it.
The soccer odds for Monday's match have the Spanish at -130
to win and secure their spot in the quarter-finals. A win for Croatia would net
you a handsome reward of +700, while a draw is listed at +175.
Goals are always expected when Spain takes the field and
nothing changes here, as the total is at three. The UNDER (-135) is getting the
most action.
Group C drama
Watching Spain annihilate the Irish the other day was almost
unfair.
Ireland had no chance, as the Spanish maestros, Xavi and
Iniesta, passed circles around a helpless defense.
Fernando Torres, as has become the norm, was the main story
though after he scored a brace in the victory. His first goal was an
instinctive move topped off by a powerful finish, while the second needed a
more clinical touch, which he showcased without problems.
The win was punctuated by additional goals from David Silva
and super-sub Cesc Fabregas. In all, Spain had 26 shots, 20 of which were on
goal, and completely owned possession.
In Croatia's second match, they came up against a determined
Italy side and showed great desire and determination, battling back from a 1-0
deficit to get a huge point in a 1-1 draw.
Mario Mandzukic scored his third goal of the competition in
the tie. The Italians stopped pressing in the second half, allowing the
Croatians back into the flow of things, and Luka Modric and company took
advantage by creating numerous opportunities late.
Will Modric spoil the show for the Spaniards?
Fight for your life
Pressure is at an all-time high considering Spain, Croatia
and Italy are in the running for two spots in the next round.
With the Italians likely to beat Ireland, the Spaniards need
at least a draw to secure their place, while the Croatians would need at least
a 2-2 tie (making up some goal difference) to earn their ticket.
To sum up, this is going to be one of the matches of the
tournament so far.
Modric is used to having plenty of possession, but he's
going to have to deal with not having the ball at his feet in this one. Spain
passes teams to death and will never compromise their style of play.
It's going to be interesting to see who Vincent del Bosque
decides to start up front. Torres and Fabregas have both made their cases, and
even though Fab has scored two goals in two games, we have a sneaking suspicion
we'll see Torres, the more traditional striker, leading the frontline.
And while Spain only needs a draw here, they're not going to
be playing for it. That's not the Spanish way.
Not often do you see a team as talented as Spain listed at
such short odds. We have to take advantage and back Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Xabi
Alonso and the rest of the crew for this scintillating clash between two
quarter-final hopefuls. They found their groove against Ireland and we think
it'll carry over.
FREE Pick: Spain -130