The fact of the matter is that Spain needs just a draw on Monday against Croatia to advance to the quarterfinal round of Euro 2012. After a 4-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, Spain is tied with Croatia atop Group C, and with a draw against Croatia on Monday at PGE Arena in Gdansk, Poland, the two teams would be tied with five points, and even if Italy were to secure a win over the Irish in Monday's other game, Spain would still hold the advantage on Croatia in goal differential, securing a place in the quarterfinal.
All that having been said, however, playing for a draw is one of the best ways to risk a loss, particularly against a side that is hungrier for the win. Therefore, expect Fernando Torres and company to come out with guns blazing on Monday night in Gdansk and leave no doubt on the strongest national side in the group.
The reigning champions at both the Euro and the World Cup played like champions in their 4-0 win over Ireland, with Torres scoring twice, Cesc Fabregas adding his second of the tournament and David Silva chipping in with his first. The defense, meanwhile, has conceded just one goal, to Italy, with Iker Casillas making seven saves. With the Real Madrid keeper in top form, the Spaniards are the unquestioned favorite on Monday afternoon.
That having been said, however, the Croatians certainly have the firepower to give Spain difficulty if they're off their game. Mario Mandzukic shares the tournament lead with three goals, with Nikica Jelavic having a goal to his credit off a team-high four shots. Luka Modric has also taken four shots in his 180 minutes of play, and with transfer talk continuing to swirl around the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, he should be eager to make a statement.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. local time (2:45 p.m. U.S. Eastern time).
