Spain vs. Croatia will conclude Group C in Euro 2012 Monday. Both of these sides are in the unusual position of knowing that if they just get a 2-2 draw they will be able to both progress to the knock out stages of the tournament. The match can be watched live on ESPN or through online live streaming on ESPN 3 (details below).
(Photo: Reuters/Miro Kuzmanovic)Spain's soccer stars Fernando Torres (right) and Sergio Ramos attend a training session May 27, 2012.If a 0-0 draw were required it might be likely both sides would be cagey and just ensure the other side doesn't score as the major priority. However, a 2-2 draw is hard to manipulate, and it virtually impossible for either side to start the match trying to get that result.
Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has said in a pre-game interview, "It's out of the question we would agree a result with Spain. To claim the contrary is an insult."
Croatia enjoy gaining the scalps of major teams, having previously beaten Germany and Italy in major tournaments, and even knocking England out of qualification for Euro 2008 despite having nothing to play for themselves.
Spain also are World and European champions, and will fancy their chances against any side in the tournament. It simply wouldn't make any sense for Spain to begin the game thinking about anything else but a win to ensure they progress to the next round.
If Spain lose and Italy win their game against Ireland, Spain are out. If Croatia draw 0-0 or 1-1 and Italy win then they will go out, with Italy taking their place.
Group C is so interesting with so many permutations that could potentially play out, a feast of soccer is set to be served Monday. Spain vs. Croatia will kick off at 2.45 p.m. EST and can be watched live on ESPN, and online through live stream on ESPN 3 by clicking HERE.
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