Euro 2016: Group D Preview and Predictions

Group D began play Sunday, June 12:

Group D:

Teams: Croatia, Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey

Favorite: Spain

Projected 2nd: Croatia

Wild Card: Turkey

Best Player in Group: Andres Iniesta - MF - Spain

Best Game: Spain vs. Croatia; Tuesday, June 21

Even though Turkey comes into Euro 2016 ranked higher than Croatia in the latest FIFA World Rankings (Turkey = 18; Croatia = 27), Croatia presents a difficult matchup for the Spaniards.  Luka Modric (Real Madrid) has the capability to control the midfield and facilitate offense with his vision, while Mario Mandzukic (Juventus) has the size to give the Spanish defense fits.  Spain has been weak defensively on set pieces, so that may be Croatia’s best chance to get on the board...especially since Spain will most likely dominate possession, limiting the amount of chances Croatia can create.  Iniesta looked good in Spain’s 1-0 victory against Czech Republic, and showed signs of many goals to come through his creativity in the midfield…if their forwards can bury their chances, that is.

Sneaky Good Game: Czech Republic vs Turkey; Tuesday, June 21

Can you say “desperation mode”?  After both teams lost their first matches, Turkey and Czech Republic will both be throwing the kitchen sink in order to get 3 points out of this match.  The two teams will be familiar with each other as they played twice during qualifiers, in which saw each team get a victory.  Both games were close (2-0 Turkey win, 2-1 Czech Republic win), and this match should follow that trend.  Petr Cech (Arsenal) is always good for a few great saves, while Hakan Calhanoglu (Leverkusen) and Arda Turan (Barcelona) pair up in a potent Turkish midfield that is capable of breaking down defenses. Look for both teams to get their chances in this one.

Group C Outlook: Spain and Croatia are most likely to get through to the knockout stage after already having 3 points apiece.  However, counting Turkey out would be a mistake.  A top-20 team in the latest FIFA World Rankings, they will surely come ready to play after falling to Croatia.  When it comes to the Czech Republic, a side with only Cech and Rosicky as impact players will have a tough time getting through.  A tough group indeed, but I still don’t see anyone getting through other than Spain and Croatia.