With increased confidence Spain is ready to face Croatia in the top 16 of Euro 2020

DBasia.news – Sergio Busquets believes that Spain’s confidence level has increased after ensuring qualification for the top 16 of Euro 2020.

Spain got their ticket to the knockout phase after slaughtering Slovakia through a landslide score of 5-0 on the third matchday of the group stage, Thursday (24/6).

In the match at the Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla last night, Spain secured a fantastic victory thanks to an own goal by Martin Dubravka and Aymeric Laporte in the first half, while Pablo Sarabia, Ferran Torres and an own goal by Juraj Kucka completed the scoring in the second half.

Following these results, Luis Enrique’s team finished as winners of Group E and will face Croatia who finished second in Group D.

Meanwhile, Busquets was chosen as the Star of the Match thanks to his contribution in midfield. He told UEFA’s official website: “This is the style of play we want to continue. This [Victory] boosts confidence and morale.

“Now we will face the World Cup runners-up [Croatia]. Hopefully we continue to play at this level to be one step closer to our goal.”

Busquets did not play the full game against Slovakia, considering he was sent off in the 71st minute after feeling discomfortable with his calf. Even so, he was chosen as the Best Player because his contribution was considered crucial.

The Barcelona midfielder added: “I really enjoy this. Before I was pulled out, I could feel a slight tug in the calf. I then said to ‘Mister’ and he did the right thing not to put me at risk.

“Hopefully I can continue to accumulate minutes playing in this team. This is a step forward after being missed and I am ready to take on the challenges ahead.”

Regarding Croatia, who they will face in the top 16, Busquets stated: “Croatia have evolved because one or two senior players retired but they have some talented young players emerging. That, plus their senior players and top coaches, make them a good team. But so are we, and we are hard to beat!”

Spain and Croatia will meet for the third time in a row at the Euros. Ivan Perisic’s late goal ensured his team moved La Roja from the top spot in Group D five years ago.