Bilic: Current Spain differs from the 2012 version and did not have Lamine Yamal

Slaven Bilić, the head coach of the Croatia national team, praised the significant development that Spanish football has undergone since the two teams faced each other in the 2012 UEFA European Championship, noting that the current Spanish team possesses greater attacking elements and speed, led by Lamine Yamal.

Bilic said, before the match against Spain tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium: "Football is changing. The 2012 team relied more on passing and possession, and did not have the speed of Lamine Yamal that we see now. The transitions were not as fast as we see today. And that alone summarizes everything I think about Lamine."

The Croatian coach spoke about the strength of the Spain national team, but he also pointed out the possibility of exploiting some of its weaknesses, citing what happened against England at Wembley. He said: "They are the best team in the world, and they will not enter the match relaxed, and we will not do that either. Spain has some things that can be exploited, and England showed that at Wembley."

Bilčik added: "We don't need a miracle, we need belief. We have played great matches against them, and the matches are long. Against the Czech Republic, there were moments when we didn't know how to suffer, and that cannot happen again. We know that possession will be theirs, but it cannot be theirs all the time."

Croatia's coach also touched on the comparison between Luka Modrić and Rodri, who are among the top midfield players in recent years, stating: "Both are Ballon d'Or winners. Bielsa said that Luka is a number 6, number 8, and number 10, which makes him number 24. Rodri is the best number 6 in the world. It's not about choosing between them, as they can play together."