Croatia can slice open Spain, says Eduardo

Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva has highlighted Spain’s defence as a possible weakness ahead of his country’s final Euro 2012 group game.

Slaven Bilic’s men head into the game with the reigning world and European champions level on points and knowing that a win would secure qualification, while a 2-2 draw would send both teams through.

The Spanish national side have been untouchable in major tournaments in the last four years and remain hot favourites to lift the Euro 2012 trophy.

However, Eduardo said Spain’s back-line can sometimes be a weak link, suggesting that quick counterattacks may be his side’s best chance of scoring.

“I think that is their defence,” he told reporters.

“They enjoy to play up front and in the middle, but sometimes fail to react in time and leave a space.

“The boss says that that is our chance to surprise them. And of course, breaks, as well.”

The 29-year-old has been limited to two substitute appearances in the opening two games of his country’s campaign but insisted that he has no problems with waiting as he trusts his manager’s judgement.

He said: “I don’t want to discuss that. That is the question for Bilic, he decides who plays, and I respect that. I am ready to help the team, very motivated (and) inspired.”

Eduardo’s team-mate Ivan Rakitic recently claimed that Croatia should follow in Italy’s footsteps and attack the Spanish midfield to force them into making errors, but the Shakhtar Donetsk man does not think his side should force it.

“Much better teams than ours don’t think about that, so why would we?” Eduardo said.

“I believe that we are not going to rush. They don’t have weak spot, but we know that we’ll have our periods and we must use them.”

The Brazil-born forward suffered a horrific ankle injury while playing for Arsenal in 2008 and, although he admitted he is not the same player he was, he insists he is feeling fit and healthy.

“I feel great, not feeling any problems with fitness or body,” he continued.

“But, some difficult times are behind me, it was specific come back. However, I’ll be honest and say that I think that I’m still not the same player like before the injury.”