It's an old adage that the best teams grow into a tournament and Croatia will be hoping that holds true as they head to Copenhagen. Zlatko Dalić's side created little in defeat against England during their group opener, stirred into life in the second half of a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic, then roared past Scotland to reach the last 16. But history is against them as they have been eliminated in all three previous EURO knockout games.
Spain's route here has been similar. Creativity seemed an issue in draws against Sweden and Poland, but Luis Enrique's charges stormed back to form by equalling the record margin of victory in a EURO finals match by beating Slovakia 5-0 to progress. Therefore, they remain unbeaten – just as they were on all three occasions they went on to lift the trophy.
It's an old adage that the best teams grow into a tournament and Croatia will be hoping that holds true as they head to Copenhagen. Zlatko Dalić's side created little in defeat against England during their group opener, stirred into life in the second half of a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic, then roared past Scotland to reach the last 16. But history is against them as they have been eliminated in all three previous EURO knockout games.
Spain's route here has been similar. Creativity seemed an issue in draws against Sweden and Poland, but Luis Enrique's charges stormed back to form by equalling the record margin of victory in a EURO finals match by beating Slovakia 5-0 to progress. Therefore, they remain unbeaten – just as they were on all three occasions they went on to lift the trophy.