Both these sides sit in the box seat in Group D but they approach their final round-robin match in contrasting moods. After edging past the Czechs in their opener, the Spanish swagger seemed to return in their 3-0 win against Turkey on Friday.
Moreover, Alvaro Morata's two-goal haul suggests Spain may finally have found a centre-forward who looks at home playing for La Roja.
Croatia also impressed against the Turks, and seemed to be cruising against the Czech Republic in their second game, establishing a two-goal lead in the opening hour.
However, Luka Modric was then forced off with a groin injury, disrupting their momentum, and the Czechs pulled one back. Croat concentration then crumbled completely after several of their fans threw flares onto the pitch, causing a five-minute stoppage.
The Czechs eventually equalised and Croatia boss Ante Cacic is adamant trouble off the pitch contributed to their collapse. "We suffered a complete meltdown on the pitch because of a handful of irresponsible individuals and if the game had gone on for any longer, we might have lost it," he said.
TEAM NEWS
Croatia midfielder Luka Modric injured his groin against the Czech Republic and is very unlikely to be available, according to Croatia's team doctor.
Centre-back Vedran Corluka is doubtful after aggravating a head wound against the Czechs.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque could rotate his squad, with their place in the last 16 already assured.
Centre-back Sergio Ramos is one booking away from a suspension and may be rested.
GROUP D PERMUTATIONS
Spain are through to the last 16. They will advance as group winners if they avoid defeat - but will finish second if they lose to Croatia.
A Croatian victory will mean they win the group. They will finish second if they draw, or if they lose and the Czech Republic fail to win.
Euro 2016: Who will qualify for the last 16?
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- Croatia have won just one of five matches against Spain (D1, L3).
- They won their first game against the Spanish, with Roberto Prosinecki and Davor Suker on target in a 2-0 win in Valencia in 1994 - Croatia's first away win since independence.
- The only previous meeting at a major tournament was during the group stage at Euro 2012. An 88th minute goal from Jesus Navas gave Spain a 1-0 win - eliminating the Croats (who needed a win to progress).
Croatia
- Croatia have only failed to score once in their last 11 games at the European Championship - in their 1-0 defeat by Spain in 2012.
- The Croats have attempted 20 more shots than their opponents over their first two games at Euro 2016 but have only scored one more goal.
- Croatia have only won one game a major tournament in which Luka Modric did not feature since his debut in 2006. That was their 1-0 win against Poland at Euro 2008. He was rested for that game as they were already through.
- Ivan Perisic has been involved in two of Croatia's last five goals at the European Championship (one goal, one assist).
- Captain Darijo Srna is set to play his 17th game at a major tournament, a new Croatian record.
Spain
- Spain are unbeaten in 14 games at the European Championship (W11, D3).
- They haven't let in a goal in 690 minutes of action at the tournament.
- Spain have only conceded one goal in their last 11 European Championship games, which was scored by Italy's Antonio Di Natale on 10 June 2012 , in a 1-1 draw.
- Andres Iniesta has made 177 successful passes at Euro 2016, more than any other Spain player.
Possible line-ups
Croatia: Subašić; Srna, Ćorluka, Vida, Strinić; Brozović, Badelj; Pjaca, Rakitić, Perišić; Mandžukić.
Spain: De Gea; BellerÃn, Piqué, San José, Alba; Busquets; Pedro, Thiago, Iniesta, Nolito; Morata.
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