11pm today Spain - Croatia: Young talent faces experienced veterans

Croatia... too old

The first generation that made Croatia famous on the international stage were Zvonimir Boban, Davor Suker, Robert Prosinecki, Alen Boksic… There is no need to discuss their extraordinary talents. However, that generation said goodbye to the Croatian team with a sad image, not a glorious one. They were eliminated from the 2002 World Cup right after the group stage, after losing to Ecuador!

The Spanish team will introduce 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal (right) at this EURO.

No one dares to confirm (or to confirm is… not right), but we have to doubt the ability of Croatia's famous players at EURO 2024. In theory, they are a truly formidable force, right behind the ranks of the championship candidates. Only 2 teams have made it into the top 4 teams in both recent World Cups. In addition to the 2018 World Cup champion France, the remaining team is Croatia - the team that eliminated Brazil at the 2022 World Cup. In addition to the abundant individual talent in the team, Croatia also has an attacking, technical style of play. The problem is: the current Croatian team is… too old. Will the final stage of the careers of Boban and Suker 20 years ago be repeated with Luka Modric's generation? It is inevitable!

Modric is 38 years old (about to turn 39), and he is the captain, not a "super sub" to shine at the right time like Roger Milla in the past. Around him are Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic. The common point: they are all in their "thirties", and it is highly likely that they will all play in Croatia's attack. The "youngest" is center forward Bruno Petkovic, who is also about to turn 30. Experience is very valuable, but harmony is needed. More than half of the Croatian squad, playing in midfield and forward, are under the burden of age. It is very difficult to expect such a force. That is not to mention the technical issue: the opponent must have thoroughly understood the Modric - Kovacic - Brozovic midfield through the many years they played together in the Croatian main squad. It is not difficult to "guess" this midfield.

Will glory greet Yamal?

On the other hand, "youth" is the hottest topic in the current Spanish team, especially Lamine Yamal personally. The Barcelona star has set many records: youngest player to play and youngest to score for the Spanish team, player with the most goals before the age of 17 in La Liga, youngest player to score in EURO history (including qualifying). Now, will there be a new record for this player under 17 when he appears at EURO 2024? This is almost a given when Yamal appears in the Spanish squad, even starting. People are still waiting to see him score at this EURO.

Yamal will probably play as a right forward while the left wing belongs to Nico Williams, only 21 years old (in the middle will be the captain striker Alvaro Morata). Spain also has a young star Pedri, only 21 years old but has impressed since the last EURO. It is a bit regrettable that Gavi's injury prevented him from participating in this tournament. In short, this is a Spain that is completely different from what people knew about them during the glorious period of 2008-2012. It is not necessary to be as excellent and successful as the generation of Xavi, Iniesta, nor is it necessary to compare. But change is inevitable, if we do not want to fall into recession. Unlike the bright candidates for the championship such as England, France, Germany, the Spanish team seems to be much quieter when entering this EURO. They are not expected much, nor do they make fans suspicious. It can only be said: this Spanish team is capable of going far because it has no obvious weaknesses.

When talking about Spain, we have to talk about the familiar Tiki-taka style of play, which brought them to the championship in 3 consecutive major tournaments (EURO 2008, World Cup 2010, EURO 2012). This style of play is based on keeping the ball a lot and continuously passing short.

In the last 136 games, Spain have had more possession than their opponents! The last time Spain had less possession than their opponents was, oddly enough, a landmark match that ushered in the 2008-2012 golden era. It was the EURO 2008 final: Spain had just 46% possession and beat Germany 1-0.

At the 2022 World Cup, Spain passed the ball more than 1,000 times per game, but they won only one of their four matches, being eliminated by Morocco. Another key feature of Spain's style of play is that they have to get the ball into the opponent's penalty area to create chances. It has been 24 years since Spain last scored from outside the 16m50 area.

Coach Tran Huu Dong Trieu: Believe in Spain's youth

Coach Luis de la Fuente's players will certainly maintain the Tiki-taka style of play. This comes thanks to the young talents of the Spanish team, thanks to the launching pad of classy central midfielders like Rodri and Pedri. Of course, it will not be an easy match for the Spanish team. The Croatian team still has the support of conductor Modric and young talents like central defender Gvardiol. But I believe the Spanish team will make a breakthrough with a victory.

Little Treasure (recorded)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tai-nang-tre-doi-dau-kinh-nghiem-gia-dan-185240614232901631.htm