UEFA Hands Down Punishment to Croatia for EURO 2016 Crowd Trouble

The Croatian Football Federation has been fined 100,000 Euros following crowd disturbances, the throwing of missiles, use of fireworks and racist behaviour during the game against the Czech Republic on June 17, UEFA has announced, reports the London Evening Standard.

Czech Republic came from 2-0 down against Croatia to draw 2-2 and breathe life into their Euro 2016 hopes.

Turkey made a reasonably positive start but fell apart after Morata, criticized for being ineffective in the 1-0 win over Croatia, and Nolito struck in quick succession before halftime.

The Czech Republic was predicted to have a hard time playing against tough rivals in the Group D of the tournament with Spain, Croatia, and Turkey all evidently having stronger rosters as compared to them.

Fatih Terim’s side suffered back-to-back defeats to Croatia and Spain and must take all three points in Lens to have any chance of progressing to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. Alex Holiga (Croatia) and Eduardo Alvarez (Spain) preview Tuesday’s clash.

Blending new talent to replace some of the departed greats has been the aim but it was no surprise to see Andres Iniesta running the show to allow some of the less experienced players to express themselves.

Even in their most triumphant years, Spain have struggled to find a centre-forward and during Euro 2012, they famously played without a recognised striker as Cesc Fabregas was deployed as a socalled “false number nine”.

Vicente del Bosque’s men bossed the Group D tie from the kick-off, with a double by Juventus’ Alvaro Morata and a first competitive global goal from Nolito sealing a comfortable win.

Iniesta, voted Man of the Match for a second straight game, created Spain’s third goal when his pass to an unmarked Jordi Alba cut Turkey’s defence wide open.

Modric is crucial for Croatia at midfield, helping the team defensively and offensively.

The champion also achieved its first objective, which was to avoid a repeat of its dismal first round exit at the last World Cup, as it booked a place in the round of 16 with a game to spare. The coach said he will make his decision closer to the match. And a win requires changing up the side once again – not least because coach Pavel Vrba will need a replacement for Tomas Rosicky, who will miss the rest of the tournament with injury. “But it’s still early”.