Xavi insists victory is the only thing on Spain’s mind as they prepare to face Croatia amid a wave of theories that the two sides would settle for a draw in Gdansk and secure passage to the last eight.
The Barcelona midfielder is aware that defending champions require just a point to ensure their progression to the last eight with several conspiracies suggesting they wouldn’t go all out to win the game.
However the 32-year-old downplayed such conjecture and is adamant that Vincente del Bosque’s men are determined to finish top of Group C but anticipates the Croatians will give them a run for their money.
“I think it is going to be a beautiful game for the fans and for the players. We depend on ourselves to qualify and we will try to win and be first of our group,” Xavi said.
“However, Croatia are very good, they have a fantastic team, with great individual talent.I don’t expect an easy game.
“We will go out determined to hold possession, to move the ball and to go forward. This is our style of game and the one that made us European and world champions.
“Our aim is always to go out for victory and against Croatia it will be no exception. We will play to get three points from the first minute until the last.”
A place in the knockout phase is tantalisingly within Croatia’s grasp and coach Slaven Bilic is confident his side can produce an upset if they mimic the world champions’ defensive strategy in the game with Italy.
The former Everton and West Ham defender believes his side need to halt Spain from getting into their usual passing rhythm and make sure they win the battle for possession in order to achieve an unlikely victory.
“If we’re talking about Spain only at this Euro I believe they have shown two faces,” Bilic said. “We analysed both of their games and think that against Italy they were different.
“We have to play like Spain did in that first game [denying their opponents the ball]. It won’t be easy as they have been the best team in the world over the past four or five years but we will look to hold possession for as long as possible while running as much as we can.
We play our best when we play against the top teams.
Team News
Sergio Busquets has been passed fit after injuring his foot against the Republic of Ireland whilst Fernando Torres is likely to keep his place after scoring twice in the same game. That is likely to keep Cesc Fabregas on the bench despite the Barcelona man scoring in both of Spains group matches.
Mario Mandzukic will be assessed for Croatia after being substituted against Italy due to a knock. Ivan Rakitic is expected to drop deep to play alongside holding midfielder Ognjen Vukojevic with Slaven Bilic likely to go with the 4-2-3-1 formation that earned a point against the Italians.
Key Players
Fernando Torres
Two goals and arguably his best performance in a Spain shirt since his match winning performance in the Euro 2008 final trump over Germany. Torres displayed the clinical prowess that made him one of the worlds most feared strikers but will face a much tougher test against a stubborn Croatian defence.
Luka Modric
As the creative hub of Croatia’s midfield it will be the Tottenham playmakers job to provide the inspiration to infiltrate a Spain defence that has conceded just once in their two games. Modric is likely to be overshadowed by Xavi and Andres Iniesta but is more than capable of outshining the Barcelona duo on Monday night.
Prediction: 1-2