Modric, Mandzukic hopeful for Croatia against Portugal

The flawless cup of tea for all footie fans.

On their “False 9” The only player not playing at the same level as the rest is Mario Gotze.

This has set the stage for some mouth-watering ties in the last 16, which starts today.

As for Portugal’s next opponents – Croatia – Shilton said he was unsurprised by their 2-1 victory over reigning champions Spain.

Inter Milan’s Perisic has been one of the better players at the tournament.

The tournament was blown wide open by one man in Bordeaux – Croatia’s gifted midfielder Ivan Perisic.

Now on global duty for Croatia at Euro 2016, the 27-year-old has been the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea, as well as German side Borussia Dortmund.

Now, Italy, Spain, France and Germany lie in wait in England’s side of the draw.

It would take a fearless person to bet against world champion Germany, even if Jogi Low’s team has yet to reach top gear.

Sanches had had some nervy touches too in this tournament, but he is a player who will always look to take risks and try something different. Dominating the game, Croatia were 2-0 ahead when Modric had to come off with an injury.

There was no breakthrough, so the game will go to extra time.

Prepare yourselves, but one of these nations mentioned above will be competing in the final of Euro 2016 at the Stade de France in 16 days.

I am siding with the Spanish to squeeze through, only just.

The Guardian opines that their clash will be a dream draw for the fans, not because they see Roy Hodgson’s side as particularly beatable opposition, but because the English game is by far the most popular in Iceland.

They were held by Russian Federation, who in my opinion are the worst team in the tournament. This was the match where Cristiano finally managed to score. The game will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.

“There is a insane imbalance in the draw for the second round, but those are the rules and we have to respect them”, said Italy coach Antonio Conte. Our chances are 50:50, who plays better on the day will go through. As it is, they face the much more impressive Croatia, but they do so in the relatively easy half of the draw.

“We only have finals now, they will be hard fought and I think we will come out on top at the end”, said Santos after the match against Hungary. France to win, comfortably.

Today’s second game might just be the weakest of the knockout stages, as Brexiters Wales and Northern Ireland do battle at the Parc des Princes.

Bale has been outstanding but what has struck me is that they are not a one-man team.